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AI.ONK, HUT FOR PRINCE AND THE SHEEP. (Page 20.) 



FINDING BLODGETT 


THE STORY OF A BOY AND HIS DOG 



GEORGE W. HAMILTON 


ILLUSTRATED 


BOSTON » 

D LOTHROP COMPANY 

WASHINGTON STREET OPPOSITE BROMFIELD 




Copyright, 1890, 

BY 

D. Lothrop Company. 


« 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


CHAPTER I. 

ASHINGTON County, Pa., is the largest 



wool producing county in the United 


States. Contrary to the general theory that 
rough and poor lands are the sort for sheep hus- 
bandry, the country is remarkably fertile, lands 
are high, and a population for the most part of 
Scotch-Irish ancestry, occupies the beautiful sec- 
tion, with farms second to none in the Union for 
their evidences of comfort and thrift. Pikes, of 
which the once famed National Turnpike is of 
the number, traverse the hills and grassy valleys 
in every direction from the county seat, and dur- 
ing the period of the war, when wool ‘‘ soared 
to beyond a dollar a pound and meat values rated 


2 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


proportionately, there was scarcely a day in the 
summers when dust was not rising, from flocks 
of “Stockers” starting westward, or muttons 
en-route for the excited meat markets of the East. 
It is now prominent as an oil centre, also, and 
railroads run up many valleys, but twenty- 
five years ago oil had not been dreamed of, and 
Concord stage-coaches carried the mails and pas- 
sengers to Pittsburgh, twenty-eight miles away. 

There were dogs of rare value and training in 
those days, and one July morning in 1863, one 
stood in the little yard before a neat cottage in 
the county town waiting for the appearance of 
his master. He was an English collie, of small 
and delicate build, with silky hair and gentle, intel- 
ligent face, that seemed to be sympathetic with 
the parting going on within the house. 

“Good-by, my own boy, and may God be your 
guard.” And widow Harrington kissed the hand- 
some, bright-faced boy, who threw his arms around 
her neck and kissed her playfully but tenderly 
again and again, on brow, cheek and chin. “ Good- 
by, mamma, my darling. I’ll bring you all some- 
thing nice,” he exclaimed, turning quickly to little 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


3 


Joe and Jennie, and Flora — a thoughtful-faced 
girl larger than himself — kissing them all in turn. 
Then he returned to his mother and kissed the 
tears away which she was trying to brush off with 
her apron, and with a call to the dog, who 
appeared at the door very promptly as if to show 
that he was waiting himself, the boy picked up 
his little satchel, threw its loop over his head, and 
with a light step departed. 

He looked back from the little gate as he 
turned and fastened the clasp, and saw them all 
watching except his mother. He knew she was 
weeping in the little back room, and it gave his 
heart a pang for an instant. Then, as was his 
wont when trouble pressed upon his young heart, 
he faced far into the future as he faced forward 
upon his journey, and pictured the happy changes 
he would make — as lightly in his buoyant mind 
as was his elastic step — as fleet through his other- 
wise happy heart as happy thoughts may follow 
each other, and so free and untrammeled by any 
set line of reasoning, that even as he thought, he 
thought of a dozen things beside. 

“ Come back. Prince ! ” as Prince bounded after 


4 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


a COW that, stupidly staring, had come to a con- 
clusion to get frightened so suddenly that Prince, 
who seldom made such vagabond starts, had been 
surprised into a sudden sally. “You old dog! 
You Prince! You rascal!” holding an arm out 
stretched as he walked on rapidly, and dodging 
and patting and playfully fondling — “You and I 
are going to New York, to make some money 
for mamma! And won’t we bring them some- 
thing nice ? Sir ! ” 

The exclamation was accompanied by a sudden 
halt, and as Prince resumed dog manners and 
respectfully observed from the rear, a countryman 
on horseback, carrying a gun, rode up to the pave- 
ment eying the dog as he did so. 

“That your dog.?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“Hold up.” 

The man headed his horse obliquely toward a 
hitching-post a few yards away, and dismounting, 
began expeditiously hitching. 

Jim debated whether to fly or stand. He was 
not of the bold sort who may confront an elder 
without trembling, but of a shrinking nature with 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


5 


vivid fancies and a sensitive heart, who, alas, had 
learned the bitter lessons of submission to insult 
and injury which the children of the poor so early 
learn. He could be strong to comfort his mother, 
and brave to plan and toil for her, but before this 
sudden emergency he was pitiably distressed. 

His face was pale and anxious as the man 
approached, for a determination to kill the dog 
was plain to be seen in his manner. 

guess ril have to kill him,” said the man, 
cocking his gun ; and without further ado he was 
pointing it at the dog, when crouching instantly, 
the boy encircled him in his arms and piteously 
besought the man to spare him. Prince shared in 
his master’s excitement, and cowered beneath 
him with shrinking looks and abject tail, as he 
circled and shivered in terror. 

Get up, boy ; quit your foolishness. I reckon 
my sheep has some feelin’s, too. I am goin’ to 
kill him, sure.” And the man tried to pull the 
boy away. 

What’s the matter, Hall.^” exclaimed a rough 
voice brusquely, and a big drover with his hands 
in his pockets and a round, good-natured face. 


6 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


joined them. ‘‘Why, Jim” — with a smile of 
recognition — “ye in trouble about your dog.? 
What’s wrong, Hall .? ” 

The man desisted long enough to explain with 
some excitement how his sheep had been repeat- 
edly attacked by dogs from the town, and how 
this morning he had been awakened by their clat- 
tering bells, to find a flock scattered “every- 
where,” with a dozen or more of the best of them 
slaughtered, and others mangled so they could not 
recover. He had seen the dogs and followed 
them for some distance, but failing to get a shot 
or come up with them, and being besides in 
his shirt-sleeves and bare-headed, had gone back 
before entering the town. “But I noticed the 
dogs, an’ this is one of them,” he declared, clutch- 
ing Jim again, who, throughout his recital stoutly 
maintained the innocence of Prince and was 
beseeching Mr. Wilson to save him. 

“ Oh, you’re off. Hall ! ” exclaimed the drover, 
manifesting considerable interest. “I know that 
dog well as I know you. He never done it, 
That’s Tom Harrington’s boy and that’s his 
collie, an’ they’re drivin’ for me most all the time. 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


7 


I’m just startin’ a lot to New York to-day.” And 
he bade Jim **get up,” and snapped his fingers at 
Prince, who, in grateful acknowledgment of his 
valuable acquaintance, returned glances of exceed- 
ing friendliness, but preferred keeping close be- 
hind Jim. 

‘‘’Deed it wasn’t Prince, Mr. Hall,” pleaded 
Jim. “He sleeps in the house every night, and 
he waked me up this morning to make mamma’s 
fire.” And Prince, having observed his master 
affectionately, now licked the hand nervously 
that felt back for his nose assuringly. 

“He never done it. Hall,” said Wilson again, 
very decidedly. “The town’s full of collies, but 
Prince ain’t a common collie. You mind what 
good dogs Tom Harrington alius had.? You mind 
about the Indiana man payin’ him fifty dollars 
for old Prince, don’t you.? Just afore Harrington 
died, a spell .? Well, this dog’s same stock. Got 
too much sense for any such work as that.” The 
drover made a move to start onward. 

“’Pears to me that dog I seen had a white hind 
leg,” said the farmer, doubtfully, but letting down 
the lock of the gun significantly and placing it 


8 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


across his shoulder. “I’m most sure he had. 
Wish I could look in his teeth ; there’s alius wool 
atween ’em after” — 

“Open your mouth, Prince!” commanded the 
master, instantly, and to the infinite surprise of 
the old farmer the dog obeyed, disclosing beauti- 
ful teeth that were guiltless of any shred of wool. 

“Well, that beats me!” declared the farmer, 
admiringly; and Wilson, with his hands in his 
pockets, laughed an easy laugh which doubled his 
fat cheeks almost to the extinction of his eyes. 
He moved onward. 

“That is a purty dog,” repeated the farmer, as 
Jim and Prince, interfering with each other, 
darted around before Wilson and keeping him 
between them and the object of their misgivings, 
accelerated their pace to a run when they got 
round a corner. 

“An’ that’s Tom Harrington’s boy,” said the 
farmer to himself as he mounted his horse, and 
before vengeance returned in his bosom he recol- 
lected much about the manly stock-dealer who 
had died there two years before. “They had a 
heap o’ trouble, and the man was broke up and 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


9 


broke down both at once. He was honor to the 
backbone. He paid all his creditors an’ died, 
poor man, an’ that’s the last that I heard of ’em. 
I declare I’d most entirely forgot ’em. Wonder 
if the widder’s brother ever onearthed that rascal- 
ity. ’Clar’ to gracious if he ain’t dead, too ! 
And she’s all alone sure enough. Died about a 
year ago an’ I’d ’most forgot that. Well, I’m a 
gittin’ old along ’ith the rest of ’em.” 

A few moments later, Wilson joined the boy 
and his dog in a pasture which came up to the 
verge of the town, and in which they had already 
rounded up a large flock of sheep and were driv- 
ing them toward an open gate. Wilson called the 
sheep and then stood aside as they poured out, 
viewing the large wethers with the eyes of a con- 
noisseur in such matters as mutton and probable 
profits. He turned as the last ones trotted out 
to compliment the boy on the skillful manner in 
which they had been maneuvered. 

‘‘’Tain’t one man in a hundred knows how to 
handle ’em so ! Getting a big flock of bunched- 
up sheep, all strangers to one another an’ wild as 
deers, out of a gate in the middle of a field fence 


lO 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


onto a road, takes sense ; an’ that’s the reason I 
t-came out to help start ’em. But you’ll go now.” 
And promising to overtake him in an hour, Wil- 
son turned back to the town and Jim hurried 
after the sheep, which were moving ahead too 
swiftly. 

“You’ll have to get ahead of ’em. Prince,” he 
shouted. “Those long-legged fellows in front 
will run clear away from these slow ones behind. 
Go on. Prince ! Get ’round an’ go slow now, d’ye 
hear.^ ‘Slow,’ I said.” And the dog, who had 
already vaulted a fence, halted in the field with 
his ears cocked for a repetition of the speech. 
“ Slow ! Go ahead. Prince ! ” and making a 
detour, the dog did not pause till he sprang out 
in front, and, in obedience to a signal from his 
master’s arm, trotted ahead in the middle of the 
road. 

There were a good many “bothers,” as a man 
would have called them, but Jim was used to 
bothers, or rather, did not mind them. He was 
used to Wilson’s careless way of letting him shift 
in all ways that were conducive to the lazy comfort 
of himself. Wilson had learned that Jim would 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


II 


not stick. The country was a coal section, and 
teams, almost a procession of them, occasionally 
were to pass, when the drivers would hallo, or throw 
lumps of coal to see the sheep jump, or dogs 
under the wagons would rush forth at Prince, who, 
out of reach of Jim’s help, would hardly know 
what to do, so that for the first few miles in a 
general way it was by a neck-or-nothing happy-go- 
lucky escape or fortunate turn of little happenings 
that the flock would go bouncing past, or dam 
and trickle out of environments and dilemmas, 
until along about ten o’clock the biggest dilemma 
of all came in sight. 

This was a toll-gate; and Wilson had made it 
the subject of a lecture. 

“There’s four hundred sheep; sing it out bold 
and clear like you wasn’t afraid, soon as they ask 
you how many. Now I don’t want any more 
nonsense about that. They’re my sheep, and it’s 
my money. You can pass ’em for four hundred 
just as easy as six hundred and fifty, an’ the 
difference ’twixt here and Pittsburgh’!! ’mount to 
more’n your wages. Your mother’s a good 
woman, but she don’t know. The sheep’s doin’ 


12 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


the old pike good instead o’ harm, an’ nobody’s 
beat except me. You ain’t half sharp enough 
that way, and I can’t everlastin’ly be along at all 
the toll-gat^s, an’ you may as well learn first as 
last, for it’s got to be my way or we’ll have to 
split. That was yer daddy’s failin’, an’ it ruined 
him. What thanks did he get for bein’ so all- 
fired honest an’ honorable. None at all; they 
just greened him an’ played him out, an’ if ever 
a man was killed by bein’ too honest, he was. 
There’s a thunderin’ lot o’ nonsense about such 
things, an’ I tell you a man has duties to himself 
as well as the world ; an’ if your daddy had looked 
out a little, your mammy wouldn’t be so poor 
to-day. I’m sorry yo’ asked yer mammy any- 
thing about it. Women don’t know about such 
things. She’s a good woman an’ means well, but 
you’ll all go to flinders if yo’ do business on her 
platform. If the world was different, why, the 
case ud be different ; but with everybody shavin’ 
yo’ an’ you doin’ square, you won’t last long. 
There ain’t enough o’ any one man to go round. 

*‘Not that ’tain’t right to be honest,” he awk- 
wardly tried to correct what seemed to himself a 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


13 


wrong statement. “ I don’t, mean that. I claim 
to be honest, but this thing o’ bein’ too honest’s 
what I’m opposed to — ’specially with my money. 
Just be as honest as the rest of ’em, an’ that’ll 
be about right. Now mind — it’s four hundred 
sheep and not a sheep more. Just bunch a lit- 
tle — rush ’em together as yo’ go through, and 
he’ll think that’s every sheep.” 

Jim could not talk to Wilson, nor had he been 
able to resist the force of much that he had said, 
especially about it being. Wilson’s money, to 
which his boy’s honor was extremely sensitive. 
But never for a moment had it seemed to him, 
nevertheless, that his mother could be in the 
wrong. Yet if he had been asked what he should 
do, he could hardly have given an answer. He 
followed the flock in the dust, full of life and very 
cheerful. The stage-coach bound for Pittsburgh, 
with its four prancing horses and proud driver, 
and two or three passengers on top beside the 
insides, overtook him, and majestically went 
through, behind his piloting, much to his satisfac- 
tion, for he had been expecting it apprehensively 
for some time. The disconcerted flock was 


14 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


recomposed and soon moving ahead again, and 
the next subject began to be considered. 

He looked back very often, hoping to see Wil- 
son coming in his buckboard, and even motioned 
to Prince to go slower, hoping thereby to gain 
time. But the toll-gate house, with its long, 
inclining pole, was steadily getting nearer, and 
the problem of how he should act becoming more 
urgent. 

In the nick of time, Wilson was descried hast- 
ening his horse to overtake them, and with a 
great sigh of relief Jim broke forth in a song that 
astonished Prince mightily. He knew that his 
master was all right again, for he had noticed 
the silence and glumness," and with tail erect he 
now cantered about in front, barking back such 
occasional expressions of delight as checked the 
front sheep and assisted materially in the “ bunch- 
ing” that Wilson required. 

“I reckon he’s got a right to drive ’em as he 
pleases,” Jim replied to a qualm of his conscience 
at even this; and Wilson’s good-natured face as 
he came up evinced his perfect satisfaction at the 
way Jim was learning. 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


15 


‘‘That’ll do bully,” he said, slowing his horse 
to the gait of the flock. “ Now move ’em thicker 
behind here an’ listen to me an’ learn how.” 

“Mornin ’, Mr. Mathews ; folks all well ? ” Wil- 
son questioned very pleasantly, extending a fat 
hand to the sickly old man who had toddled to the 
door, and with one hand uplifted against the door- 
jamb had been pondering the drove while it 
passed through, and was now awaiting the drover, 
with a troubled look. 

“Mornin’. How many sheep.?” he asked, in 
the low tone which indicated that he was hard of 
hearing. 

“ How many do you think ? ” asked Wilson, 
with an overdone geniality. 

“How many.?” asked the old man anxiously, 
with one hand to an ear and looking as if he was 
ready to dispute it. 

“I say, how many do you think.?” shouted 
Wilson. 

“Oh — about six hundred.” 

Wilson laughed heartily. He pulled his pocket- 
book and counted out some money which he gave 
to the old man and asked for a drink of water. 


i6 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


The old man scanned the money and was trying 
to calculate, when Wilson repeated his request for 
water. Desisting, he turned his head within and 
asked some one to bring it, when he resumed, or 
tried to resume, calculating — 

“There’s four hundred and forty-six sheep,” 
Wilson graciously informed him between two 
draughts of water. “Twenty-two score — two 
dollars and twenty cents. It’s O. K., old man. 
Good-by ” — extending his hand in the excess of 
his friendliness ; and the toll-gate man made an 
end of his unfortunate attempt at calculating and 
extended his own. He pocketed the money in a 
helpless way, and the buckboard drove ahead. 
The keen eyes of the boy beheld it all. 

“ See } ” said Wilson to the boy he was teaching ; 
“ I told no lie. I said there was four hundred 
and forty-six, an’ ther’ is, ain’t there ? He don’t 
lose anything,” he added, “it’s the old pike com- 
pany; an’ they don’t, neither. The sheep’s a 
positive help to the road an’ by rights they ought 
to pay me for drivin’ over it.” 

“I was afraid you’d flicker someway,” he pro- 
ceeded, after they had passed a cross road where 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


17 

Prince stayed in one lane and Jim, by timely clods 
thrown into the other, frightened them from it; 
“an’ I don’t want no flickerin’ about it. I’ve 
been thinkin’ about your daddy a heap this morn- 
ing. I used to be a partner o’ his, occasionally, 
an’ it was jist terrible, the way he tried to be hon- 
est an’ was beat at it. You know how old 
McClutchem got hold o’ that farm that yer 
mammy was countin’ so on ? I want to tell yo’. 
I’m a friend o’ yours, an’ I want ye to listen. 
What’s that ahead yepder ? ” The buckboard was 
stopped, and Wilson was gazing indolently at the 
sheep which were pouring pell-mell into a gap 
that had been left open at the roadside. 

Jim was over the fence running to head them 
and Prince from the front coming to his assist- 
ance, and very soon the flock was rounded within, 
and emerging upon the road properly. 

“ Prince barked about that,” remarked the boy, 
as he wiped the perspiration from his heated face, 
“ and I made him go ahead ; I didn’t see the gap. 
That’s the first time this morning; but I was try- 
ing to listen, as you asked me.” 

“Yes,” resumed Wilson, reminded of what he 


1 8 FINDING BLODGETT. 

had been saying. “Well, I don’t reckon as I 
could make you understand it, but it just killed 
your daddy, the way he was treated. He was 
high-spirited an’ honorable, an’ thought everybody 
was the same. He undertook to do business on 
the earth on some other world’s principles, an’ 
made a failure. Clark got the life insurance, an’ 
McClutchem got the farm, an’ Benedick got the 
mortgage on the little house, an’ everybody got all 
was cornin’ to ’em, an’ some of ’em a good deal 
more ; and then clattered about him to keep any- 
body from suspectin’. It was a crashin’ time 
with him, an’ they went for him like vultures. 
Yer daddy wasn’t any match for ’em, an’ it killed 
him the same as if he was poisoned. I’ll tell yo’, 
Jim, if ye’ll pay attention to me I’ll learn you how 
to get along ; ’taint often ’at I bother ’bout any- 
body’s business but my own, but I’ve been 
thinkin’ about yer daddy a good deal this mornin’, 
^an’ yo’ haven’t got anybody to give yo’ good 
advice.” 

“Now I’m goin’ ahead; here’s a good place to 
pass. Here, I’ll give you money to pay at the 
next toll-gate.” And he halted the buck-board. 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


19 


‘‘It’ll be the same — two dollars and twenty 
cents.” And he handed Jim the exact amount 
— a two-dollar bill, and two dime shinplasters. 
“Jest go to Morrison’s, same as we alius do. I’ll 
be there to-night sometime. I guess you’ll make 
it all right.” And upon Jim’s acceptance of the 
onerous and too responsible task, Wilson whipped 
ahead and the boy was left alone. 


CHAPTER 11. 


LONE, but for Prince and the sheep. But 



^ he was glad to be left so. What were his 
thoughts about Wilson’s advice.^ Happily, very 
few and very light. His mother had embedded 
her own principles in his heart, and then — he 
was so light-hearted in his innocence, that the 
birds and grass and trees, and the vagrant summer 
winds that fanned his heated face, were all pleas- 
ures, that seemed quickly to exorcise care. He 
sang again, song after song, and whistled cheer- 
fully, and trudged along, and when he thought of 
the coming toll-gate, it was whistled down as a 
thing ten miles away, and to be got through with 
as he had got through with so much — as he was 
getting through his daily duties, somehow, all 
right, when he should be there. Prince wished to 
come back, now that his master was so gay, and in 
truth the boy could not help bidding him come 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


21 


for a little while, but it was only for a romp for a 
few minutes in the road without halting the sheep 
in the least, and then Prince was remanded to the 
front again. 

Wagons passed, buggies, and they crossed sev- 
eral bridges, scurried a little in an open woods 
through which the pike led, but onward in excel- 
lent order still moved the drove without serious 
accident or hindrance. 

But the toll-gate, after awhile, was drawing near 
at a troublesome rate, and the boy addressed him- 
self to the task of considering it. 

“ If I had but some money,” he said to himself, 

I would pay the difference myself. What if the 
man should say — ‘Is that all ’ ” he asked him- 
self ; not that he had resolved to give the false 
number, but was merely contemplating the case 
if he should conclude to do so. 

“What would mamma say.? What shall I do.?” 
It was indeed a dilemma, and he could find no 
escape from it. 

There was a halt called in a grateful shade 
which the boy had delayed his dinner to reach. 
The sheep gathered into thick crowds, and with 


22 FINDING BLODGETT. 

panting sides and low inclined dusty noses, stood 
cresting, while Jim and Prince partook of their lit- 
tle luncheon. The little satchel was unswung 
and opened very interestedly, and mamma’s sand- 
wiches and Flora’s little cookies received worthy 
attention. 

Prince received his full share of everything, to 
be sure, and was conversed to in a manner that he 
greatly appreciated. 

“Get down. Prince; why, where’s your man- 
ners ? Look how you’ve buttered my jacket, and 
mamma had it so clean. All right, old dog — only 
don’t be too familiar,” as Prince, at the first sound 
of the renewed friendly tone, seemed anxious to 
renew the buttering. “Here, I’ll see if I can’t 
find some meat for you. That’s sister’s handker- 
chief,” placing it, neatly folded as it was, on the 
big flag-stone they were using as a table. “ And 
that’s my new necktie and my comb and brush. 
And here’s the Pain Killer — mamma always 
sends that bottle ; she’s afraid we’ll get sick. 
Where’s the Testament.^ Here it is — mamma 
always puts that in,” with a sigh at thought of the 
toll-gate. 



THE SHEEP (;.VrHi:REH INTO THICK CROWDS. 





FINDING BLODGETT. 


23 


“We don’t ever read it much, do we, Prince — 
nor practise it, either ? An’ here’s my letter, 
that’s what I’m lookin’ for. Mamma wrote that 
last night. Prince. Now keep real -still and I’ll 
read it to you ; for it’s to you, too. 

“‘Be a good boy, my darling son. Let nothing tempt you 
from your duty. God is good and will not fail you if you rely 
upon him and act your part manfully in every emergency. He 
will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able to 
bear, but will, with every temptation, send a means of escape. I 
grieve to have you away from us, in such company, and under 
such influences as I know you must withstand, but we cannot 
help it, my darling, at present. Never neglect your prayers. 
Good-by, my own boy. Your 

Mother. 

“ ‘ I have placed two dollars in the little pocket of the satchel, 
knowing you would not spend it foolishly, and fearing that you 
might need a doctor or want to telegraph or something. It is 
a long trip, and Mr. Wilson may not think to give you enough, 
and I feared you might need it.* 

“There, isn’t she a darlin’. Prince.^” as he 
looked and found the money snugly ensconced in 
the pocket. “ Haven’t we got the best mother in 
all the world. That’s every cent she had, for I 
heard sister and her talking about getting it for 


24 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


some work mamma done. That’s the reason she 
didn’t say anything to me about it ; she knew I 
wouldn’t bring it. 

“And my father was just as good, Prince,” he 
said, very frankly. “Mr. Wilson told me about 
him this morning. Just after the sheep got into 
that gap, you mind, and ’pon my word it made me 
love him more and more. I wish I could see my 
papa. I’m sure he went to Heaven. 

“ Prince,” said the boy, in a burst of confidence, 
“ I am going to tell you a secret, and you mustn’t 
ever breathe it to a soul. Now will you promise 
me, ’deed an’ ’deed an’ cross your heart ? ” 
Prince looked at him very solemnly, and, unable 
to withstand the expression with which the earn- 
est-faced boy was regarding him, shrank in his 
glances and seemed to be most unworthy, but 
was trusted, nevertheless, for the boy continued : 
“’Cause if you did, it would just spoil everything. 
It would be just awful. I promised mamma I 
wouldn’t breathe it, and I wouldn’t, for anything 
in the whole world ; but it isn’t breathin’ it to tell 
you, an’ you’re helpin’ me to make the money and 
ought to know. Mamma must have one hundred 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


25 


dollars by the first of next March. And mebbe — 
mind, it’s only mebbe, Prince — mebbe we’ll get a 
whole lot of money from old McClutchem. I 
don’t know how it is, but he just as good as stole 

it. The biggest lawyer in W , Judge Ratchi- 

son. Prince — he’s great enough to be president, I 
expect — told mamma that my papa paid every 
single dollar that he owed, but McClutchem kept 
the farm because papa died, and the papers were 
all with McClutchem. Mamma must have one 
hundred dollars. And then she’ll find Blodgett. 
He’s the witness. He was McClutchem’s book- 
keeper, and papa paid the money to him and 
nobody knows where he is. He’s hiding. Prince, 
’cause old McClutchem wants him to. We’ll do 
our best, won’t wq ? We’ll just go through any- 
thing, an’ work our very best, and I’m sure we 
can make that much. Sister is helping, and 
mamma sews all the time, nearly ; but that old 
interest keeps coming due, and it’s like knocking 
us all down every time. But we’ll make it,” said 
the hopeful boy, confidently, ‘‘an’ mamma’ll get 
her money, an’ the children can go to school an’ 
have clothes enough in winter like other children, 


26 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


an’ sister’ll not cry any more because we’re so 
dreadful poor.” Prince, when his master’s face 
brightened, seemed completely overjoyed at the 
prospect. 

But his master was not done thinking yet. 
‘‘Quit, Prince!” The boy stared thoughtfully, 
feeding his mouth with bits of cake, and then 
reclining upon an elbow, continued his cogitation 
until Prince despaired of receiving more attention, 
and curled himself down for a nap. 

“Prince! Wake up!” exclaimed Jim, coming 
back to himself ; and when the remnants were 
hastily put into the satchel, over and over in the 
green grass they went, rolling and frolicking — 
the boy and his dog. 

It was evening, when Wilson, with a red face 
and his hands in his pockets, as usual, stood in 
the middle of the pike, before Morrison’s, and 
announced that his flock was coming. “ Can’t 
yo’ give me the big meadow ! ” he inquired of 
Mr. Morrison. “I see you’ve got the hay out.” 
And Morrison, who was a benignant-looking 
elderly gentleman and not at all like a tavern 
keeper, rather ruefully acquiesced, whereupon 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


27 


Wilson set off with Jake the hostler to get the 
gate open and fix up a panel that Jake said was 
“down” next the road. Morrison stayed on the 
porch of the many-roomed tavern, and some loaf- 
ers occupying chairs about the door-way, also 
watched for the drove with an idle interest. 

Here they come at last — still traveling alertly, 
the leaders ; following thick the long column, 
white with the dust — single ones stopping to 
glance, bleating, backward for comrades, and then 
shouldering on in the otherwise silent procession ; 
swerves the dense centre as on-lookers rush out 
on the porch at Morrison’s ; on flows the flock, 
past Morrison’s house, past Morrison’s barn, and 
into the gate beyond. 

And then came the boy and his dog, very dusty 
and looking weary, but bright as ever, and both 
of them with looks of gladful recognition about 
the premises, and the boy, replying to Mr. Morri- 
son’s kind greeting and the greetings of the Mor- 
rison girls, for Jim was a favorite and he liked 
the Morrisons famously. He did not pause, 
but went on to where Wilson was closing the 
gate. 


/ 

28 FINDING BLODGETT. 

/ 

“ Did you get through the toll-gate all right } ” 
And Jim smelled liquor on his breath. 

‘‘Yes, sir,” he answered, a little dubiously; and 
Wilson chuckled and chucked him gleefully under 
the chin, and told him he “would do,” and prom- 
ised to make “a man of him,” and bade him take 
his horse out of the buckboard and attend to him, 
for he had his doubts about the hostler. 

Wilson went back to the bar-room and was 
drinking again, when Jim, after awhile, came in 
with Prince, and found places for themselves in a 
corner. Wilson had heard great news from the 
markets, and Jim felt with dismay that he was 
pretty certain to get deeper in liquor. 

He could not reconcile Mr. Morrison’s kindness 
and benevolent appearance generally with his 
handing over the big old-fashioned bottle like he 
did constantly in that bar-room. He had won- 
dered before, he wondered more than ever to-, 
night. It was a great loafing place for the people 
of the country round, and many gathered when 
the lamps were lighted. The battle of Gettys- 
burgh had just been fought; Lee was retreating, 
and the North was alive with expectancy. It was 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


29 


the half-way house between W and Pitts- 

burgh, where the stage coaches stopped to change 
horses and take meals, and news was always to be 
had at Morrison’s. 

Morrison did a thriving business that night. 
Wilson drank and told stories and laughed till he 
cried; and Jim almost cried from a very different 
emotion, as he and the dog went up to their room 
for the night. When he was upon his knees, the 
noises beneath were uproarious, and he heard Wil- 
son narrating something in which his own name 
was mentioned, to the exceeding hilarity of the 
loafers. 

He was tired and slept heavily till morning. 

He was awakened by Prince jumping upon the 
bed, and after a romp with him then and there for 
a moment, sprang out and began dressing with 
some precipitancy. He was anxious about Wilson, 
whose bed was untouched. 

Jake, sweeping out the bar-room, told him there 
had been a row, and wondered that he had not 
heard it. A chair smashed to pieces was pointed 
at by Jake, and Jim saw that the old bottle and 
the trim little glass case in which it had always 


30 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


Stood, were alike demolished. He could not 
repress a glad feeling as he beheld it, but 
anxiously asked for Wilson. 

“He’s out in the barn,” remarked Jake, sweep- 
ing complacently — “what’s left of him. He 
tried to throw the whole house out the winder 
last night, an’ got throwed out himself.” 

Wilson was pretty badly damaged, sure enough, 
as Jim found out when he finally found him in the 
haymow. But he had sobered considerably, and 
was enough like himself to measure exactly the 
money that would be required to pass the remain- 
ing toll-gate. “Now don’t lose yer grip; save 
that money fer me, fer I’ll likely need it to pay 
damages this trip. An’ yo’ kin alius do my 
drivin’” — two not very startling incentives, one 
might think ; but Jim Harrington knew of noth- 
ing better. “Go to Allen’s, on the big hill this 
side o’ Birmingham, yo’ know; leave the pike at 
the top o’ Coal hill, an’ go the regelar route. If I 
don’t ketch up by that time, hire Billy to help you 
to the stock-yards. I better give ye money to pay 
him. Here’s a dollar; that’s what I give him. 
An’ the bridge toll — I like to fergot that,” and 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


31 


he counted out some more money which he said 
was exactly right, and which Jim placed in a 
separate pocket. 

‘‘Tell Allen I’ll fix for the night’s bill. I’m 
goin’ to clean out this whole country ’fore I pull 
out from here,” he wrathfully announced, in con- 
clusion, but turned over very comfortably to sleep 
awhile first. 

On went the flock and the boy and his dog, and 
if the singing was not so frequent that day, nor 
the spirits so abounding, they were happy, not- 
withstanding. Occasionally long spells of sober 
thinking would occur, and Jim would grieve for 
Wilson, who, despite his character, had some ster- 
ling traits, but the boy could not help him and 
trouble could not utterly fetter Jim. Wilson, he 
trusted, would come out all right somehow; and 
he thought of his mother and sister and the won- 
derful hope of the future, and soon broke afresh 
into singing. 

He rested a good while at noon and taught 
Prince a new trick. Prince would take Jim’s 
memorandum book — a bundlesome affair because 
it contained all the letters he had ever received — 


32 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


and secrete it where he told him, covering it 
completely with bark or leaves. It had a rubber 
band and was compact enough, and the dog hav- 
ing learned to deposit it at a place, he then 
taught him to cover it, and then to go after it and 
bring it back to him. 

It was seven o’clock when they came to Allen’s, 
and Wilson had not appeared. 

Allen’s was a large, red brick establishment on 
a summit overlooking Pittsburg. It had city 
traits and city looks and was itself in the environs. 
City delivery wagons of a make and appearance 
very different from the rural ones, and city-appear- 
ing drivers, and gentry with vehicles all like the 
city, , were common and incessant here, and the 
smoke lay before, and the hum of the city 
beneath. There were lights, too, in sight from 
Allen’s, at night ; flaming rolling-mill chimneys, 
and red and green river lights and gas-lights in 
lines upon lines. It always quickened the boy’s 
pulses to be here, and the remaining run was one 
that he always dreaded and yet delighted in. 

“ Is Wilson drinkin’ any ? ” queried Allen, 
significantly, when Jim delivered his word about 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


33 


the bill. Jim colored and thought “he was, 
some ” ; whereat Allen stuck his pen behind his 
ear and stroked a blotter upon what he had been 
writing, and volunteered the opinion that he would 
“go to the dogs if he didn’t stop that, and ’tend 
to his business properly.” He promised that 
Billy would be ready at three o’clock with the key 
of the gate, for it was necessary to start thus 
early while the streets were comparatively quiet. 

“Not that Wilson ain’t a good fellow,” said 
Allen, calling Jim back and placing the pen in the 
inkstand, “nor that his word ain’t all right. It’s 
as good as gold, Wilson’s word, an’ that’s a fact ; 
but it’s a risk to him, and it’s a shame to load a 
boy like he’s doin’ you in this thing. S’posen 
they get away from you on the bridge, or in the 
town.!* An’ he’s gettin’ worse. Le’s see — he 
was drunk about a month back, don’t yo’ mind, 
an’ nen ’bout, ’bout a month afore that ; but that 
was before you was helpin’ him much. It’s 
gettin’ more frequenter, but mebbe he knows what 
he’s doin’. I heard a feller from your county say 
Wilson never got drunk above his knees.” 

At three in the morning, in the crisp mist from 


34 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


the river, with the hum subdued in the sleeping 
city, but the rolling mills pounding and roaring, a 
short council was held by the shivering twain 
before the gate. The sheep, awakened, were 
bleating noisily. Jim and Prince were to lead, 
and upon Billy would devolve the less arduous but 
important business "of keeping up the rear and 
watching for possible accidents. The exciting 
time would be, crossing the long, many-spanned, 
gas-lighted, covered river bridge, where, fright- 
ened already by the din of the rolling mills, 
a panic and stampede was certain. Passing 
through the gas-illumined spots in the bridge, with 
their shadows jumping wildly and the rattle and 
roar of their moving through the resonant wooden 
structure, always terrified them beyond restraint. 
A run at the top of his speed would be barely 
sufficient to keep ahead of them, and if he should 
stumble or fall — he had never thought much 
about it, but had fancied what would happen with 
a shudder. 

He did not mean to fall. 

After they were through the bridge there 
remained several miles through the very thick of 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


35 


the city, but the impetus of the fright would 
carry them straightforward and that very quickly, 
to the stock-yards. He did not mind after the 
bridge. 

The gate was opened. Calling them and drop- 
ping tastes of salt to encourage them, the sheep 
came following him out, and down through the 
echoing streets; past resonant dark blocks, still 
growing larger and more frequent, past the 
resounding and crashing iron mills where fiends 
in fiery glares drew gleaming bars, and sparks 
showered, and there was great illumination ; on 
and on the flock progressed, guided and restrained 
by the boy and the dog managing skillfully, until 
they approached the bridge. 

Here there was an unexpected obstacle. The 
toll-man at the entrance, who had had great 
experience, disputed the number and refused to 
accept the money. He also forbade their cross- 
ing, with dire threats, but the boy, who was 
already at his wits’ end in his efforts to keep back 
the flock while he offered the 'money, was forced 
before the mass into the bridge. Prince behaved 
manfully, and barked and worked everywhere, but 


36 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


the sheep could not be restrained. As breaks a 
dam when the torrent overpowers it, the sheep 
broke through at last, when, knowing that it would 
be useless to oppose them there, and resolute to 
pass the leaders where the next light would check 
them, and distance them through the bridge, the 
boy and his dog were off. They made it ; but 
there was no time for halting nor anything but 
rushing on, and it was not until the shed roofs of 
the stock-yards were before them that the toll-man 
began to be remembered. 

Jim knew not what would be done about it. 
He had read large ‘‘Penalty Notices” over the 
entrances of bridges and had dreadful forebodings, 
which even the surprise of beholding Wilson as 
they entered the stock-yards did not entirely dis- 
pel. He had driven through by the pike to see 
how the markets were, and inspected his flock as 
it passed into the feeding pens, with evident satis- 
faction on his features. He was in tolerably good 
condition. His nose had resumed its natural size, 
and a court-plaster of some dimensions above one 
eye was the only sign left of the fracus. 

But his face was still flushed, and there was an 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


37 


odor of whiskey about him when Jim told him of 
the occurrence at the bridge. 

“I couldn’t help his not taking the money,” 
declared the boy, with tears standing in his troub- 
led eyes. “I just couldn’t. I offered and 
offered it, and he wouldn’t touch it ; and if the 
sheep had gotten away into the city we never 
would have been able to get them all together 
again. I just had to go. Here is the money.” 
And the boy gave it back to Wilson. 

‘‘Good for him,” laughed Wilson; but he 
seemed to be a little apprehensive. 

It was now broad daylight and Jim went in to 
breakfast with Billy, where they remained for a 
good while at the table. When he got through he 
obtained a plentiful supply for Prince from the 
kitchen, and was accompanying the dog to a 
lunching spot out of doors, when he observed with 
consternation, two policemen conversing with Wil- 
son. The bridge toll-man was also present, and 
evidently responsible for their presence. 


CHAPTER III. 


W ILSON very soon beckoned Jim to one 
side and began to explain the trouble. 
‘‘They’ve locked up my sheep and arrested me 
for that toll business,” he said. “An I’m in a 
peck o’ trouble. There’s a penalty for such things 
that’s jist awful.” 

Jim was laboring under a misapprehension. 
He was pale and much frightened. He bit his 
red lip and looked fearfully at the officers. They 
were watching them, and others were also observ- 
ing. He could offer nothing, nor make a single 
suggestion. 

“What’ll we do.? There ain’t any use raising 
a breeze about it,” continued Wilson, meditatively. 
“I declare it’s just an awful fix. I ain’t sure 
but they can jail me, I ain’t — positive!” and his 
red face was almost purple. “It’s jist awful.” 
And he thrust his pocketed hands downward con- 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


39 


vulsively, as if the situation was indeed very 
serious. “Now, if we could fix it out,” he 
resumed, keeping his back toward the men, and 
coaxingly conversing with the boy, “like as if you 
didn’t understand me, or made a mistake ” — 

“I couldn’t help it,” said the boy. 

“I know that. I don’t blame yo’ ; but listen — 
I believe it ud’ work. They say I’ve been beatin’ 
’em, an’ so they set out to ketch me this time; 
but I don’t think they could do it if you stood by 
me. It’s the easiest thing in the world to not 
understand, you know, an’ it’s easy to say yo’ 
didn’t ; an’ if you’d stick to it, with that face o’ 
yours, I believe it ’ud do. I’d like to whip that 
red-headed yonker,” he spitefully muttered, and 
Jim glanced in the direction in which Wilson was 
looking. To his infinite surprise there was also 
the man from the gate beyond Morrison’s, appar- 
eled for the city, so the boy had failed to recognize 
him ; and the man from the gate on this side, 
who was also much altered by the important 
improvements in his appearance. 

A new light was dawning on Jim. His failure 
to pay anything at the bridge, and his violation of 


40 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


the command not to cross, had been uppermost in 
his mind till now. 

“He got up this whole scheme,” Wilson was 
saying; “that red-headed one. He posted the 
other one and the bridge man yesterday. I was a 
little off at Morrison’s, and blowin’ about the way 
you was learnin’ to beat the gates, and' blamed if 
his brother wasn’t sittin’ right there in the bar- 
room all the time and I never knowed it. I ain’t 
sure, but I think he was the chap I hit with the 
bottle, an’ if I did it’s some comfort, anyway. 

“Well — what you say.^” demanded Wilson. 
“Can you tell ’em you made a mistake an’ told 
’em a wrong number, an’ look ’em in the eye an’ 
stand up to me now like a man ? ” 

“But I didn’t,” declared the boy. “I told 
him the truth.” 

“No, you didn’t.” 

“Yes, sir; I did.” 

“ How many ? ” 

“Six hundred and fifty.” 

“Did you tell ’em six hundred and fifty 
“Yes, sir; and paid or offered to pay for that 
many.” 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


41 


‘‘How did you pay them.?” questioned Wilson, 
incredulously. 

“With mamma’s money. She had put some in 
my satchel.” 

“ Honor bright .? ” exclaimed the drover, raptur- 
ously, and looking at the boy as if he thought him 
perfectly beautiful ; and so indeed he was, for that 
matter. 

“Yes, sir; I hated to do it, awful bad, but I did. 
I just couldn’t tell it wrong and thought I’d rather 
lose the difference myself.” 

“Gents,” exclaimed Wilson, turning toward the 
men, “how many did the boy say there was.?” 

“Six hundred and fifty,” answered each of them 
promptly, one after the other. 

“Well, gentlemen,” and he spoke very politely, 
“suppose we go down and count the sheep.” 

The trouble was soon over. “ Six hundred and 
fifty sheep ! ” announced the man at the sheep 
scales as the last sheep trotted away, and being 
an expert in counting and having been chosen to 
determine the number, of course his decision was 
final. He walked back into his office as if the 
matter was settled. The red-headed man looked 


42 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


as if he rather doubted it, and Wilson as if he 
would enjoy having a row with him, but the 
others were convinced, and after the bridge man 
had solicited and obtained the amount which he 
had refused from the boy, the party departed, 
walking away rapidly — the red-headed man behind 
the others, who were seemingly disgusted with 
him and disposed to avoid his company. 

“It pays to be right,” admitted Wilson to the 
boy, when they were sitting together in the shade 
of one of the pens a few minutes later. He had 
been profoundly affected by the occurrence, and 
was whittling a stick with vigor. “Why, that 
thing would a cost me — more’n I’ve saved, fifty 
times over. An’ nen the disgrace!” He picked 
up a new stick and commenced on it. “ It’s worth 
somethin’ to keep yer face! Yer mother’s right. 
Be the true thing, an’ keep yer face. It’s worth 
a mint to have such a face as you’ve got, boy, an’ 
I’ll never ask yo’ to lie for me again, never.” 

Jim knew that he would not, and though he had 
not been able to say a word at the time, he 
remembered it very gratefully, and repeated it to 
Prince that evening. 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


43 


Everything had been attended to and they were 
waiting in that same pen for their turn to be 
loaded into the cars. 

And we’re going to ship out right away, 
Prince, and won’t you enjoy the cars — riding, 
riding, over the rivers, and over the mountains. 
Oh, it’ll be grand ! ” And in sparkling excitement, 
the boy bent down and told him of the dangers, 
and of how he must keep close to him, to all of 
which the dog paid close attention, and seemed 
to understand him clearly. I^e laid his muzzle 
on the boy’s knee trustingly, and waved his tail 
very slowly, with an expression in his face that 
was certainly satisfactory to his master., “You’re 
a smart dog,” cried Jim, admiringly, patting his 
side and laying his cheek down upon him, and 
then — he sprang to his feet, for up the alley-way 
rang the order — “Swing the gates, and let ’em 
come for New York!” 

Wilson was not going. Jim was to go in 
charge. Wilson, in his easy indifference to so 
many things which a more careful man would 
have avoided, offered no objection to the proposal 
to take Prince. 


44 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


It had been a perfect dream with the boy, who 
had repeatedly made the trip alone, and who 
argued with some faint show of reason, that the 
services of the dog would be valuable in New 
York. 

Stock matters since then have undergone great 
changes, but at that time the yards at Jersey City 
and the perfect equipments at Communipaw, and 
other adjacent places, had not yet come into 
being. Frojn Elizabethtown — the terminus of 
“The Allentown Route” — sheep were taken by 
great ferries through the green frothing waters 
of the Kills, and emptied upon crowded wharves, 
whence through a wilderness of wheels and horses 
in the teeming metropolitan streets, they were 
managed precariously to “The Bull Head” — the 
headquarters for sheep in New York. “Hume 
and Elliot,” the consignees, would meet, them 
with men at the landing, and virtually take 
charge, but in view of the nature of the under- 
taking they guaranteed no risk, merely agreeing 
to “do all that they could.” Excepting this, there 
was no risk to Wilson. Hume and Elliot would 
settle all bills which would follow, with the bill of 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


45 


lading, and would return the net proceeds by 
bank draft with the boy, which no one but Wilson 
could negotiate. The railroad, moreover, required 
a person in charge,” and would return the one 
sent, by passenger train. 

There was some doubt about the dog, but it 
was speedily resolved by the shipping agent, who 
good-humoredly added, “and dog,” to the pass he 
was writing ; and feeling very happy, the boy and 
his dog followed Wilson to find the caboose. 

It was an odd-looking affair, like a cabin on 
wheels, and stood by itself when they entered it. 
A partition divided it in the middle, and in one 
end were berths, while in the other, long seats on 
either side did duty also as receptacles, under- 
neath, for coupling pins, and great iron links to 
be used in possible emergencies. Different pat- 
terned cushions, which had been abstracted at 
different times from old passenger cars, lay along 
upon the seats, but all were alike now soiled and 
greasy, and a collection of lanterns that were 
grouped in a corner spoke vividly to the boy, of 
night experiences. 

“Here’s your quarters,” said Wilson, looking 


46 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


about and filling the little space with his voice; 
“an’ nobody here yet. Well, I guess I’ll leave 
yo’ now. Don’t ye git hurt climbin’ around with 
that dog. What’ll I tell yer mother.? ” 

“ Give her my love,” said the boy ; and even as 
he said it, the cars containing his sheep, jarred, 
and jerked, and moved backward beside the win- 
dow, with the startled sheep bracing themselves 
and bleating excitedly. The train was made up, 
and after a few more hurried messages, Wilson 
took his departure, shouting from without as he 
left, about being “careful.” 

The sheep pulled forward past again, to the 
steady rhythm of an engine ahead, and then came 
backing back, nearer and nearer on the self-same 
track, till there came a tremendous jolt. Every- 
thing jarred, and the boy and his dog were close 
company. The coupling pins were heard rattling, 
the brakeman yelled “Go ahead,” and with a 
succession of sounds running back, the cars 
gripped each other, and the ride to New York 
began. The stock-yards slipped easily away, and 
houses were hastening backward. “Isn’t it jolly 
— ker chink, ker chunk, ker chink, ker chunk. 



THE RIDE TO NEW YORK BEGAN. 
























FINDING BLODGETT. 


47 


ker chinketty chunk, ker chinketty chunk,” sang 
the boy in his very heart, filled to the brim with 
glad, unwearied, springing youth. 

And wasn’t it, indeed.? In the golden July 
evening, with the homes appearing and disappear- 
ing, and the suburbs and fields and meadows 
going by, and the rivers ahead and the mountains 
— and Life ; the Life that the boy dreams of so 
surely, but which gray-haired men, alas, have 
never found. 

Soon a brakeman came climbing down the 
rungs on the car-end before the caboose and 
saluted the boy cheerily, with a look of surprise 
that no other drovers were in company. ‘‘Where’s 
the rest of ’em.?” he asked, and answered himself 
before Jim could speak — “Coming on the other 
sections .? ” And finding a basin in a chest, he pro- 
ceeded to dribble water from a small water-cooler 
in a corner and went to washing. The conductor 
also came in with a pencil and book in his hand, 
and giving scarcely a look at the boy, proceeded 
to a desk, where he jotted down something on a 
card. 

“Where to.?” questioned the brakeman, strid- 


48 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


ing sideways to the boy and dropping beside him, 
working his hands in the towel; and with this 
and some small attentions bestowed upon the dog, 
his lively interest appeared to terminate. 

The conductor motioned for his pass and 
examined it with officious carefulness, but it was 
all right and returned to him without comment. 

“We’ve got to leave two box cars at Johnstown 
and take some cattle at Cresson,” he remarked to 
the brakeman, who was combing his hair now 
and conversing to another who had come down 
and who was putting the lanterns in trim upon 
the floor. The men had some further talk about 
train business and then climbed the rungs and 
went forward. The brakeman at the lanterns 
finished filling them, and after rubbing them until 
they shone, lighted them all one after another, 
and hung two red lights out behind. Then he 
went forward, and Jim took advantage of the 
opportunity to comfort Prince, who was evidently 
tired of the rattling. 

He succeeded in a trice, for Prince sprang up 
beside him and watched with him through the 
open window. Into it came the evening air laden 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


49 


with hay-field scents. They saw green fields 
and country homes, and woods and streams go 
slipping back, and roads approach to suddenly end, 
and fields and woods again succeed. Town after 
town with lights went by, and the bright, full 
moon, as the night begun, ran with them on for 
miles and miles. Neither of them thought of 
being tired. They lunched, but the boy looked 
while he lunched, and it was late when Prince 
curled on the cushion and slept. But the boy 
stayed on at the window. The hills grew higher, 
the gorges deeper, the scenery wild and strange ; 
the moon, mounting higher, touched all things with 
her magic. What a brave old world it seemed to 
the dreaming boy ! 

At last, the cars which had racketted along as 
if they meant to go through without stopping, 
halted, toward midnight ; and to the drowsing 
boy, the world stopped with them. A great 
range of hills that had accompanied for miles, 
stood motionless to listen — not to a waterfall 
that was rippling in the valley, but to the water 
gushing from the tank ahead, and the voices of the 
men there conversing. Soon the engine noisily 


50 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


Started, and made a clashing failure. It started 
again, more slowly but also more determinedly, 
and with the cars all exclaiming but starting in turn, 
it panted and pulled, until, clashing and panting, 
it pulled them all in on a side track and halted. 

The big range of hills had moved up with the 
train and had stopped again with it, and a mill 
had also slipped into the scene with a silvery 
sheet of water pouring noisily over a dam. “The 
Conemaugh,” the creek was called, and in the 
moonlight and the stillness of all things beside, it 
seemed a most musical and appropriate name. 
The moon rode grandly — no sounds save the 
waters and the seething engine, and to their slum- 
brous cadence the boy had yielded, when he 
heard a brakeman say outside — “She’s coming.” 

His awakened hearing could faintly discern a 
humming sound in the distance. It deepened, 
and brakemen began to walk about on the train- 
top. Rising, the boy went out upon the platform 
of the car, followed by the wakeful dog. A light, 
like a star, coming steadily on — brightening and 
staggering a little as it drew quite close, and with 
a rush and a deafening roar the express thundered 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


51 


by, blinking a line of light like a ribbon, and fol- 
lowed by sleepers, dark, except red lights at the 
rear, that were speeding swiftly away. 

Jim followed them with his eyes and with 
thoughts of the people who were slumbering 
within them; and returning within, turned to 
thoughts of the dear ones asleep in the cottage at 
home, as racketing unconcernedly over the 
switch irons, the stock train proceeded, and 
resumed its old jargoning on the rails. 

At Harrisburg there was great excitement. 
Camp Curtain lay immediately across the tracks 
from the stock-yards, and its proximity and the 
battle so recently fought, made the place one of 
great commotion. Sleep was impossible to the 
ardent boy. The Allentown road was being u§ed 
by the Government, and for two days, the sheep, 
which had been unloaded into the feeding pens, 
could not be shipped out, during which time hos- 
pital trains, filled with wounded soldiers, continued 
almost unceasingly to go by. Platforms had been 
improvised in the cars, by boards placed along 
upon the seat-backs, and thickly lying upon these 
were the wounded soldiers with their suffering 


52 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


faces to the windows. Jim was perched upon a 
car-top lonesomely, with Prince beside him, but 
his own perplexities were forgotten. 

At last, one midnight, the road was clear; and 
with his sheep loaded up, the boy trudged sturdily 
between long lines of cars seeking for the new 
caboose. A perfect labyrinth of cars were in the 
yards, and despairing after a while of finding it, 
he retraced his steps to where his sheep could 
still be heard occasionally, and taking Prince in 
his arms, climbed on top of one of the cars. He 
could behold hundreds of car-roofs, but no red- 
lighted caboose standing in waiting, so he sat 
down, trusting to be able to descend when they 
moved to it and before they could get fairly 
started. 

It was half an hour before, of all the lights that 
were moving in the yards, there were any that 
came near his cars. But at last a train came 
backing toward them — bumped — the coupling 
was effected, and as the cars started forward a 
brakeman carrying a lantern came back, loosening 
brakes as he came. He returned not a word to 
the boy’s civil question, but swore at a rate that 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


53 


fairly made the dog shiver, at something which 
was wrong with a brake. Jim asked no more 
questions, knowing it would be useless. He 
comforted himself in explaining to the dog 
many things that were evidently perplexing him. 
“We’ve just got to wait. Prince. They’re cross 
an’ sleepy, but we’re comfortable enough, and I’d 
as lief ride on top as anywhere. I’d rather if it 
was daytime. He felt carefully for his money, and 
told Prince, what the dog had not yet heard, that 
Mr. Wilson had returned all the money of his 
mamma’s and paid him very liberally for the work 
as far as Pittsburgh. “I’ve got ten whole dollars 
yet ; but don’t you let on, for some of these fel- 
lows might try to get hold of it. They’re a bad 
lot, I can see that. The whistle shrieked, the cars 
jerked, and after shifting about a good deal with 
some backings and shocks that evinced a very 
general ill humor, the caboose was finally attached, 
but not in time for the boy to obtain it. The 
train moved out with the boy and his dog on top. 

The night was bright, the moon careering 
along, breasting light clouds high up in heaven, 
and making shine and shadow on the beautiful 


54 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


land. On they sped, past slumbering homes, 
through well-kept farms, through rock-ribbed cuts, 
through strange dark woods, where the echoes 
roared, and the dew and the moonlight glistened. 

He had been passed and repassed several times, 
when at last a brakeman came to him and 
demanded passage money for the dog. The boy 
declared he had a pass, but would not show it to 
any except the conductor, whereupon the wretch 
brought back his pal to personate the conductor. 
But Jim understood the deception and knew they 
were trying to make him tip them. He refused, 
civilly but firmly, when they threatened to throw 
the dog off, and possibly might have undertaken 
it, but a whistle called them away. Promising to 
return and “attend to him,” they flew forward to 
their respective brakes. 

Thoroughly frightened, Jim determined to get 
down, and ran upon the car-roofs toward the 
^caboose. Prince halted, much alarmed at the first 
gap he came to, but reassured by a word, sprang 
immediately over it, when, without pausing, they 
ran on till they came to the car-end that was next 
to the caboose. Luckily it was the original car 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


55 


with the rungs so convenient, and halting upon 
them with his head above the roof, the boy took 
the dog beneath an arm and descended as best he 
could, but with difficulty obtained the footing 
upon the caboose. 

The conductor’s appearance was not reassuring. 
He was decidedly rough-looking, and surlily list- 
ened to the boy’s complaints while he inspected 
the pass quite critically. ‘‘He hadn’t any right 
to pass him if he did write it ; an’ I wouldn’t stop 
much an’ make you pay.” But after a few ques- 
tions designed to find out the importance of the 
owner, and the probable risk he would incur, he 
did not attempt it, but having returned the pass, 
stretched himself out to snooze on the bench 
immediately opposite. “But this ain’t no dog-car, 
an’ if that pup gets in the way. I’ll settle him.” 

Of course there was no sleep for Jim after this. 
Nor were his fears allayed by the appearance 
of the “ meanest ” brakeman, who soon after 
descended the ladder. Some sort of suspicious 
colloquy ensued between the familiars, but to his 
relief its result in the end was limited to 
unfriendly looks. 


56 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


‘‘ Where did you get that fool satchel ? asked 
the brakeman, crossing to him, and examining the 
letters which were embroidered with worsted upon 
it. 

** Mamma made it for me,” answered the boy, 
feeling uneasy, but glad that Prince was beyond 
him and behaving so nicely. 

“What’s this fur — J. H. The boy told 
him. 

“‘Washington, Pa.’ That where yer from.'*” 
Jim answered “yes.” 

“An’ that ring! Say, Cully,” as the other 
mean brakeman also entered, “ look at this 
ring I ” Cully examined it, and would have 
removed it, but for the boy, who refused to yield 
to them in this. “Git out, pup!” and poor 
Prince received a kick as the other one settled 
beside Jim, and they quizzed and annoyed him 
exceedingly. 

“He’s mamma’s boy!” exclaimed one to the 
other, delightedly. 

“An’ nat’s mamma’s ring,” replied the other as 
jeeringly; and “Mamma’s boy” became the name 
by which they thereafter designated him. 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


57 


The conductor remanded them forward very 
soon, but they left with abundant promise in their 
behavior that they would annoy him with every 
opportunity, while the conductor settled himself 
once more for an uninterrupted nap. 

And they did, more and more, especially in 
their treatment of the dog, until busy thought 
with the boy had reached what appeared to be a 
remedy. 

It was an hour or so after daybreak, when the 
train halted, and the hands ran back hastily to a 
cabin where a few moments were allowed them to 
breakfast. Jim was hungry enough, but dared not 
go with them, and as soon as they were gone he 
took Prince and went forward to the car-roof 
which he had occupied the night before. The 
sheep cars were “double-decks” — that is, they 
contained two floors ; and opening upon the roof 
from the upper deck was a hatch-door, as common 
in stock cars, to provide for an entrance when 
necessary. He had resolved to put Prince in 
along with the sheep. The sheep, though some- 
what used to him, were frightened a little at first, 
but Prince of course would not harm them, and no 


58 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


harm at all could result. Jim was charmed with 
the arrangement, particularly as he saw that he 
could take the dog out easily when he chose. 
The sheep could not jump out, even if he left the 
door open. He promised himself immunity here, 
with Prince out on top for company, and the 
hatch-hole for a recourse upon danger. 

It worked as well as it had promised, and 
before another hour had gone, the brakemen on 
the on-rolling train had grown weary of trying to 
annoy him, and reclined at their distances without 
making any movements to join him. 

Mamma’s boy!” they derisively shouted, but 
he made them no answer, and confident in his 
security, began to enjoy the scenery. 

Thus, without sleep or adequate rest, Reading 
was passed, and at Allentown that evening, where 
the “division” came to an end, and a new set of 
hands and caboose succeeded, it was with a pro- 
found feeling of thankfulness that the boy entered 
an old passenger coach that was to be the caboose 
to Phillipsburgh. 

An old quaker couple were already seated, 
going to some way-station up the road, and with- 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


59 


out waiting for the conductor, the boy curled on a 
comfortable cushion, with his dog on the floor 
beside him, and immediately sank into deep 
slumber. 

A storm was rising. In the west a bank of 
black, with lightning flashes everywhere, presaged 
a storm of magnitude. The day had been hot, but 
now the wind began to rise, and night and the 
tempest came swiftly. The boy slept on, while 
through the drenching rain, with the lambent 
lightning playing or blinding vividly to the crack 
of flerce thunder, the train sped unmindful along. 

Nor did he waken until, having reached Phil- 
lipsburgh, the conductor, as he was going through 
the car preparatory to locking it and leaving, 
shook him quite roughly. 

“If you’re in charge o’ those sheep you had 
better mosey out o’ this,” he exclaimed. “Your 
train has cut loose, and is away up at the water 
tank, an' you’ll have to mosey pretty fast to catch 
it.” Rubbing his eyes and even yet scarcely 
awakened, the boy spoke to his dog and hurried 
to the front platform. He was so bewildered that 
he turned and asked — “ Which way ? ” The con- 


6o 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


ductor waved his lantern in the direction the boy 
had starced, and deigned nothing more ; opening 
the door, the boy faced a night as black as was 
ever painted A gleam just then revealed a track 
beside the one upon which the caboose was stand- 
ing, and springing into the middle of it and strain- 
ing his eyes, he started running in the direction of 
a faint halo which he could see ahead, and sup- 
posed to be from the headlight in front of his 
train. As he ran, it lightninged a little, and he 
heard the noise of cars getting nearer, but never a 
thought had he but that it was his own train 
starting, and that he was overtaking it, when — 
Prince barked wildly, and ran behind him, and 
instantly came a flash of lightning, revealing 
almost in his face, a car-end advancing on him. 
He sprang, or tried to spring, to one side, but 
knew no more. 

When the lightning flamed again a helpless lit- 
tle body lay bruised and insensible in the rain 
upon the ties, and over it stood a dog, whining 
piteously, and in vain, for some sign from 
“mamma’s boy.” 


CHAPTER IV. 



WO Irishmen were in a little switchtender’s 


^ box that night, smoking and discoursing 
about a riot that was imminent in New York. 
They were especially interested because of the 
hibernian character of the insurgents, and were, 
moreover, much like them in sentiment, but the 
white heat of the conversation had gone by and 
they were puffing their pipes slowly in silence. 

<‘What is that.!^ It’s that dog again! That’s 
the thirrd or fourth time — open the dure, Dennis. 
Here, puppy, that’s a purty dog I See if ye can’t 
get him in.” 

<‘He wants somethin’. I belave he wants us to 
folley him,” said Dennis, and not without reason, 
for the dog expressed it plainly by his movements. 
He barked appealingly as they looked at him. 


62 FINDING BLODGETT. 

‘‘Pon me sowl that’s what he does!” rejoined 
the other quickly, and with a look at his watch he 
rose, picking up his lantern as he did so. “Lade 
away wid ye, dog ! ” and as the dog bounded 
away, giving vent to short barks, they pushed 
along after him up into the dark cut above the 
shanty. 

“It’s still a rainin’,” muttered Dennis; but the 
leader was too busy endeavoring to peer after the 
dog and dreading what he should probably behold, 
to answer him. “Oh, murther!” he exclaimed, 
recoiling very soon ; “ do you see that ? I dread 
such things torrible I ” movdng slowly toward the 
body by which the dog was standing. 

“It’s a b’y,” remarked Dennis, stolidly, but 
roused from his lethargy, nevertheless, and both of 
them stood looking down as if dreading to touch 
it. The glances of the lantern reassured the 
switch-man, however, for he was down very 
quickly examining. 

“He’s only knockt sinseless, I belaive,” he 
exclaimed, but with some hesitation in his man- 
ner. “What a purty face he have, only for that 
oogly gash. Do ye know me!” he ejaculated 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


63 


wildly, just then, as the eyelids faintly opened and 
closed again. 

“ He can’t spake,” remonstrated Dennis ; but 
abundant encouragement had come to them both, 
for one tenderly straightened the bent head of the 
boy and held it, while the other doffed his own 
coat in a whiff, and folding it into a pillow, placed 
it beneath the head. “It’s lucky we came 
now,” said the switchman, glancing at his watch. 
“Number Five would have finished him, shure; 
she must run in on this thrack. An’ it’s mighty 
soon time,” with another quick look at his watch. 
“ Let’s bear him down be the shanty, an’ thin’ do 
ye go an’ git somethin’ to carry him. He’s not 
so very badly hoorted. I’m hopin’ ; he’s come 
around fasht since we shtraitened his neck.” 

“ How in the worlld wasn’t he killed ? ” said 
Dennis, as they carried the body between them ; 
“shure the dog saved his life if he lives.” 

“I remember jumping with all my might,” Jim 
told it next day, “and I think that just as I was 
clearing the track, the corner of the car struck 
me. It was a long time before I knew anything. 
Then a glimmering of everything came to me, it 


64 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


seems. But I knW nothing and felt no pain, and 
seemed to doze off again. Then it began to come 
back again and I knew that I was hurt, and 
although I thought I was terribly hurt, and tried 
to realize it, and think of it, I couldn’t ; but dozed 
away again. And then — after a long time — I 
knew that I was lying there and would probably 
die ; and I remembered the accident and tried to 
think of mamma, and — everything. I couldn’t. 
Prince licked me and whined, and I knew it was 
him, and I tried to think how dreadful it all was ; 
and I tried to pray, for mamma an’ the children, 
an’ for myself; an’ I did pray, but I couldn’t do 
anything clear. An’ the next thing I knew was 
the Irishmen taking my satchel and my pocket- 
book, and I didn’t care; I couldn’t care anything 
about it. I guess I knew he was my friend ; an’ 
they carried me, and then I opened my eyes, and 
two or three stars were in the sky and a big drop 
of rain fell in my face ; and there was a woman 
with a shawl over her head and she carrying a 
lantern ; and two men, and they lifted me onto 
the settee and carried me up here.” 

‘‘Yes,” exclaimed the sweet-faced girl who sat 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


65 


beside him and with sparkling, sympathetic eyes 
beheld him talk ; “and they couldn’t find your hat, 
and the dog came walking in carrying it in his 
mouth.” 

“Oh, yes. Prince,” said the boy, and at the 
mention of his name. Prince sprang up beside him 
and behaved so affectionately that the boy very 
loathly bade him get down. 

“And the doctor says you are to keep real still, 
so we must hush right up talking,” said the girl. 
And they were silent for at least a couple of 
minutes. 

Jim closed his eyes restfully as if he would 
sleep. She slowly waved the fan. 

“What did the station agent say about the 
sheep asked Jim, in a moment, his eyes wide 
open. 

“He said they were all right in New York. 
He had telegraphed and would telegraph more to 
the men who are to sell them,” explained the girl ; 
“and you are to rest perfectly easy.” 

“I wish I could go on.” And he turned over 
restlessly, but with an expression of pain pro- 
duced by the movement. 


66 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


But you cannot, you know ; the doctor said it 
would be dangerous with the weather so warm. 
Now go to sleep ; mamma said we mustn’t talk, 
remember.” And the boy went to sleep and the 
sweet girl held vigil, pensively waving the fan. 
She thought of the letters they had found, and 
the other contents of his little satchel, and within 
her gentle, innocent heart, the boy was tenderly 
regarded. 

That afternoon the doctor pronounced him 
doing finely; and the station agent, who had 
taken a warm interest and paid several visits, sat 
for an hour in the room with the doctor, convers- 
ing. The riot was at its height in New York. 
As Jim listened to the recital of the news and 
especially of the burning of the Bull Head, he 
became quite determined to go on. The doctor 
pronounced it ^‘preposterous,” and forbade it, and, 
together with the entreaties of Mrs. Pancoast, the 
excellent widow in whose charge he had fallen, 
restrained him for that day. But after a night of 
refreshing sleep, he wakened, resolved to proceed 
to New York. He made the sweet-faced girl his 
confident, and though she wept plentifully, she 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


67 


was convinced at least of the futility of longer 
opposing him, and after the doctor had taken his 
leave, she went forth and bought him a pair of 
crutches ; testing them under her arms and cheap- 
ening them, artlessly, with the shopman. The 
kindhearted Irishman had restored every cent of 
the money which he had taken to prevent its pos- 
sible loss, and rendered every other kindness in 
his power. 

“You have all been as good as you could be,” 
said the boy when he was about to leave, and the 
widow refused to take a cent; “I don’t know 
what to do.” 

“Well, I hate dreadfully to see you go,” 
answered the widow, firmly. “You should go 
straight home to your mother. The agent says 
the sheep will be all right, and I feel like you are 
doing very wrong.” 

“Oh, I think not,” returned the boy, convin- 
cingly ; “ Mr. Hume will meet me at the Cortland- 
street landing and take me to his house, and it’s 
just riding in a car-seat a few hours. There is no 
telling how much I may be needed, and Mr. Wil- 
son is leaving it all to me. Now, good-by.” And 


68 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


the widow kissed him, with tears in her eyes, and 
he settled on his crutches with Alice to help to 
the station. 

He had left five dollars for the doctor, that 
being the amount they thought would be right, 
and had four dollars left, as he told Alice as she 
helped him down the hill. am going to bid 
you good-by now,” said the girl, almost breathless 
and blushing, where they had stopped for him to 
rest, about half way down the hill. She kissed 
him as her mother had done, and neither of them 
spoke for a moment or two as they slowly pro- 
ceeded onward. 

“Won’t you wear this for me.?” she said, slip- 
ping off a plain little ring; and Jim stopped to 
persuade her not to part with it. 

“I would give you this one,” he said; “but it is 
mamma’s.” But she did not want it; all sTie 
wanted was for him “to wear her’s just to not 
forget her.” And at last he yielded, an they 
companied on to the station. 

The station agent took the exhausted boy into 
th^ ticket office, and when the train came and 
everybody else had got off or on, it still waited 


FINDING BLODGETT, 


69 


while the conductor and the agent assisted him, 
with Prince closely attending, carefully into a car 
where two seats were turned facing, and he was 
comfortably quartered, with Prince on the floor 
at his feet. have telegraphed,” said the agent. 
‘‘You will be met at the ferry; the conductor 
has your pass,” and he was gone before Jim 
could thank him, and the train was dashing 
ahead. 

How swift it seemed after the jaunting rate of 
the freight ; but he was half-sick and very faint at 
times. A motherly old lady became his attendant 
with water and smelling salts, and the run was 
soon made to Jersey City. He was sorely beset 
in the crowd pressing onto the great ferry, and 
could not get over the great chain, which dropped 
in the centre for vehicles to cross but rose toward 
each end, and must be stepped over by foot-pas- 
sengers. He could not pass it until a gentle- 
man observing, lifted him over. This gentleman 
remained with him, and, revived by the breeze, he 
was delivered to Mr. Hume, who was watching for 
him at the landing, with a cab in attendance. 
Prince jumped in without the asking, for the boy 


70 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


was too faint to speak, and the cab hurried away, 
hammering over the cobblestones. 

Mr. Hume was alarmed at his condition. 

Never mind about the sheep, now,” he said, in 
answer to Jim’s anxious enquiries, and, to divert 
his attention — Look at the police ! ” Jim saw a 
squad of twenty or more go by armed like sol- 
diers, and walking rapidly. Soon they saw other 
squads, and Mr. Hume pointed to the Tribune 
building as they were passing. A cordon of 
police allowed no approach near the building, and 
through the shattered windows Jim could see the 
type-setters busily working away, with a brass can- 
non in the great hallway below, facing formidably 
out. He grew faint, and in a half-conscious con- 
dition was soon in bed again, receiving attentions 
from Mrs. Hume. 

It was exceedingly lucky for Wilson that Jim 
had gone on. Mr. Hume supposed Wilson’s 
sheep had been lost ; and in fact his partner, Mr. 
Elliot, had telegraphed to Wilson that they were 
burned. But a conversation with Jim developed 
that they were not, and led to their recovery. 
Mr. Hume had been speaking of the loss of all 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


71 


the sheep on the floor upon which Wilson’s had 
been penned, and of the pell-mell mixing of 
several thousand in. the melee, by throwing open 
the gates in the endeavor to save them from the 
flames, when Jim declared that he could pick out 
every one of Wilson’s sheep. 

“They every one were branded,” he said. 

“They brand elsewhere,” replied Mr. Hume. 
“There are claimants for all the sheep.” 

“There was ‘J. C.’ and a red star, and ‘R’ for 
Mr. Patterson, continued Jim — a big black ‘P’ 
on the shoulder; and ‘H. H.’ for Henry Her- 
man ; and ” — 

“Hold!” exclaimed Hume, and his manner 
showed that he was startled. “ Can you give 
all the brands, and the number wearing each 
brand.?” 

The old memorandum book furnished all the 
evidence that was needed; Jim, in his methodical 
way, having taken down the names and the num- 
bers, as well as Jthe weights, when the sheep 
were received. He could remember the different 
marks, and Mr. Hume hastily departed with the 
memorandum book, declaring hotly that he would 


72 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


‘^baffle some scoundrels, and recover some of Wil- 
son’s sheep.” 

He succeeded better than he had expected ; 
though after such difficulty as took a long time to 
recount. ‘^You see I knew that floor was 
burned,” he said, “and did not know that five or 
six pens had been run out by one man, before the 
fire got to them. These contained Wilson’s 
sheep ; but bless your heart, there were claimants 
for every sheep, and the evidence of your book 
was all that saved them ! “ Six hundred and fifty 

head,” he completed, “and they’re sold at a good, 
round price. Wilson will be astonished, and I 
mean to let you carry him the good news.” 

Mr. Hume said nothing when Jim announced 
his intention to start home, but slipped away and 
brought in a doctor. The doctor found him “ in a 
bad way ” ; so there was nothing to do but submit 
to their kindness, but the next morning, as at 
Phillipsburgh, he had recovered so much, that 
that evening he was reluctantly allowed to depart. 
Mr. Hume accompanied him to Jersey City and 
saw him in a berth of the sleeper, while Prince, 
who of course was not allowed in the sleeper, and 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


73 


for whom the boy was extremely solicitous, was 
safely consigned to the baggage car. Fortu- 
nately Jim gained rather than lost by the night in 
the sleeper, and the next morning occupied a seat 
in the stage-coach at Pittsburgh, with fair promise 
of being able to endure the severe ordeal of the 
ride that remained. 

There was but one other passenger and he rode 
outside, so Prince was allowed within, and solaced 
the boy by his presence for many a mile. But as 
home began to be neared, the reaction became 
intense, and though he held up as bravely as he 
could, he was carried at last insensible into the 
cottage, by the kindly fellow-passenger. 

He never complained, but kept cheerful and 
bright till he fainted dead away a few miles back,” 
explained the gentleman to the consternated 
mother — “an’ I’ve had a time ever since. He 
said he had been hurt, but was nearly all right, 
and I never noticed him much till about an hour 
ago. I got right in with him, and it’s lucky that I 
did. He is too young for such a trip.” 

“He shall make no more,” said the pale and 
anxious mother in her heart, and she almost 


74 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


thought that wretched night, that God, the God 
of the widow and the orphan, had deserted her. 

For in the interval of Jim’s absence another 
blow had fallen. Blow after blow had fallen, 
harder and more desperate had grown the strug- 
gle which in her weakness and incapacity she had 
been making for her family, when a note for fif- 
teen hundred dollars, the sole remainder of prop- 
erty that had been left to her, seemed now about 
to be lost. It was the amount which she had 
relied upon to free the little home from its threat- 
ening mortgage ; and in the hopelessness which 
settled upon her, it seemed, too, that Jim would 
die. 

With pallid, sad, set face, the poor woman and 
her old-faced daughter, watched the fevered boy 
into the night. There was one lamp with a little 
oil, and they burned it low. There was not a 
cent in the house, for Jim’s pockets contained 
none, he having paid his last money for his stage 
fare. The lamp reminded her that bright little 
chubby Joe had brought a laconic note from the 
grocer, saying that nothing more could be had 
without money. In her deep need for advice she 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


75 


had gone to this man and laid her dilemma before 
him. She remembered the cold and unresponsive 
air with which he listened, and how he turned 
from her almost immediately to wait upon others. 
She had never been refused before. There had 
been no lack of effort or of economy. She and 
Flora had sewed constantly, but the wages were 
small — inadequate for the cj^bts which cumbered 
from the start, and the interest, and doctor bills, 
and necessities of the little family. Often dur- 
ing the night she became nearly desperate with 
thought. But for her children she would gladly 
have lain down to die. It was a hard, sad world, 
for the poor, whatever it might be for the rich — 
full of losses and crosses and torment. There 
was no bitterness in her heart ; she was past all 
that — bereft of all feeling, save a profound sense 
of weakness and inability to provide for herself 
and family. She wondered where they could 
move to ; and to what grocer could she go in the 
morning ; and when, could she truthfully promise 
to pay. 

She made Flora lie down at midnight, but no 
sleep came to herself. Jim slept disturbedly, but 


76 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


toward morning rested easier, and at last she 
turned the lamp almost entirely out, and kneeling 
in the stillness — there were sobs like the sobbing 
of a child at first, and convulsive heavings of the 
form as it knelt — but calmness came soon. She 
continued a long time in prayer. Rising, she vis- 
ited the sleepers and left a soft kiss upon each, 
and returning to her vigil, felt comforted. 

. She fell asleep in her chair, and was wakened 
by Flora, who had darkened the room, and got 
breakfast without disturbing her. 

First came Wilson, who had been absent from 
town the day before. He was considerably 
“down” on account of his supposed heavy loss, 
but wanted to learn the particulars. 

“I haven’t had a word with Jimmie,” said the 
widow, when she opened the door to admit him ; 
“he was unable to talk, but has slept all the 
night.” 

“Don’t disturb him,” said Wilson, upon learn- 
ing of his condition; but Jim had wakened and 
bade him come in. “It’s in my memorandum 
book, mamma — and I didn’t get a cent from Mr. 
Hume. He offered it to me, but I had the pass, 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


77 


you know, and he paid the sleeper, and I had four 
dollars. That’s it” — as his mother delivered the 
bills and the draft, pinned together, to Wilson. 

Wilson’s surprise may be imagined, to find that 
his sheep were not burned and that in conse- 
quence of the limited supply, he had netted a 
remarkable profit. There was a note referring to 
Jim in the margin of the bill, which he read sev- 
eral times. I think so, too,” he said, at length, 
closing and pocketing the bill, and this was all the 
clue the family could get of what it contained, 
but Wilson called for some ink and a pen, and 
wrote a check which he handed to the boy in the 
bed. 

‘‘That’s fifty dollars, an’ you’ve earned it every 
cent, an’ I don’t grudge a mill of it,” he exclaimed 
with his powerful voice, and sat down to chat a 
while — provided they wouldn’t say a word more 
against accepting the money. “Why, I’ve paid 
partners hundreds, for not one-tenth what he’s 
done, and — I guess — you need it. I don’t want 
to be inquisitive, Mrs. Harrington, but your good 
friend, my wife, informs me that Swigart has 
repudiated a fifteen hundred dollar iiofe for you?” 


78 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


The widow rubbed the back of one hand with 
the fingers of the other, and replied, slowly — 
“I did not wish to distress Jimmie about it, but I 
don’t suppose he will mind it so much, with the 
present he has just received.” 

“He’ll have to know it, anyhow, mamma,” said 
Flora, breathless with interest, and filled with a 
vague hope that big, strong Mr. Wilson, might 
avail them something in the crisis. 

“It ain’t a present,” answered Wilson, briefly. 
“How was the note given ^ ” 

“To my husband. My husband sold the sheep 
to Mr. Swigart.” 

“He never objected to paying it before?” 

“No, sir; on the contrary, was profuse in his 
promises to pay principal and interest.” 

“Did he write? ” 

“ No, sir ; he came to see me. I have no writ- 
ing, unfortunately, nor witnesses except the little 
children.” 

“Bad,” said Wilson. “I think I know all 
about this case,” he continued. “I don’t know 
Swigart — never saw him — he lives on the edge 
of the county, next Ohio ; and I never traded that 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


79 


side. But I know of him, and he^s a rogue by 
instinct. And I knew your husband, and know 
it’s all square, far as he was concerned. The 
sheep were Canada sheep. There was a great 
notion in favor of ’em for a little while and a 
great many were shipped in and sold at a profit. 
What’s this they call ’em.? ‘ Leicesters,’ that’s 

it. They were said to grow combing wool, and 
all that, and not to be liable to foot evil — but it 
soon played out. The merino’s the only sheep 
stands any show in this country, an’ the folks that 
got ’em, soon got tired of ’em. That’s about the 
case with Swigart. He thinks he can beat you, 
easier than he can pay the debt.” 

‘‘ Here is his letter,” said Flora, producing it ; 
and Wilson read it carefully, while the family 
waited in a silence befitting the important inspec- 
tion. Jim was all attention. 

“He says the sheep were represented to be not 
liable to foot evil, and that they have infected his 
sheds, and damaged him greatly. Says he can’t 
use the sheds in consequence.” 

“Yes, sir,” said the widow, tremblingly appre- 
hensive that that allegation, coupled with the 


8o 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


threat to sue for damages, which Wilson had not 
yet read, might result even more direfully than 
she had feared. 

“Of course it’s a mere set-off. And he says 
they were not Canada sheep ! ” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“That’s a whole-cloth set-off; intended to 
annoy you and occasion trouble, for it will be 
costly to go to Canada and establish the fact. 
This is like some other treatment you have 
received,” he murmured; “at least, that is my 
opinion.” 

“It is true,” said the widow. “Old Judge 
Ratchison says if Mr. Blodgett could be found, he 
would establish my ownership of the farm.” 

“ What’s that ? ” exclaimed Wilson, looking up. 

“I did not mean to broach this matter,” said 
the widow in some confusion, “and I trust you 
will say nothing about it.” 

“Not a word,” Wilson answered her. “You 
may trust me. I have always believed there was 
some rascality in the case, as it resulted with 
y»ur husband. I was speaking of it to Jim, and 
have talked with many others about it.” 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


8l 


**Well, my poor husband was careless in his 
business habits, and had notes for a large amount 
on the Stevens, discounted at McGlutchem’s. 
This, however, was long before the Stevens’ fail- 
ure — a year before; and to secure McClutchem, 
we executed a deed to the farm. McClutchem 
wrote it and we signed it — my husband, very 
lightly, as I remember, but sensibly stipulating 
that the notes must be collected when due. It 
would be in a very few months. They were col- 
lected, and were so reported to my husband; and 
he gave no thought to the deed and notes still 
remaining in McClutchem’s hands, though intend- 
ing all the time to remove them. Afterward the 
Stevens failed ; my husband was on his death-bed ; 
and McClutchem, who had loaned to them and 
was caught, substituted my husband on the books 
instead of himself, and took the farm to make good 
his losses. Blodgett, who was McClutchem’s book 
keeper at the time, disappeared when my husband 
died; and while we have, as I said, the Stevens 
themselves, and evidence, including my husband’s 
statement upon his death-bed. Judge Ratchison 
has as yet felt unwilling to begin proceedings.” 


82 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


“How did McClutchem obtain possession of 
the farm?” asked Wilson. “I mean, why did not 
Judge Ratchison fight, then?” 

“ I hardly understand,” answered the widow, 
perplexedly. My brother who died was attend- 
ing to it. McClutchem obtained judgment, and 
when the farm was sold, bought it at a low figure. 
I was well-nigh distracted at the time, and Judge 
Ratchison was powerless, save to enter protests, 
which he did. If he could have found Blodgett, 
as he hoped and strove hard to do, he could have 
prevented it; but he could not; and the Stevens, 
from some influence of McClutchem’s, were un- 
willing to testify. They have quarreled, however, 
since, and would be most important witnesses. 
Mr. Blodgett is all that is needed.” 

Wilson pondered intently. 

“What a world!” he said at length, shaking 
his head dismally at the prospect. “ Blodgett 
wouldn’t dare to come back, even if he could be 
found,” he said, decidedly. “Several indictments 
would be leveled at him, including one from 
myself.” 

“Yes,” returned the widow, hopelessly; “Judge 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


83 


'Ratchison has given it great thought ; but as he 
says himself, he is old and frail, and the wicked- 
ness was covered very cunningly.” 

“ Leave McClutchem alone for that ! All he 
has got is blood money ! ” exclaimed Wilson ; and 
to the boy on the bed — “Jim, let this be a warn- 
ing to you ; to keep clear of bad men, and do all 
your business up carefully. See what has come 
of the topsy-turvey ” — 

‘‘My husband,” said Mrs. Harrington, respect- 
fully, “trusted too much to men’s honor.” ~ 

“Just what I told Jim,” remarked Wilson sen- 
tentiously, and turning to the bed — “the boy 
looks better.” 

Jim, in his exceeding interest, had placed his 
hands beneath his head to upraise it, and was 
attending to all that was being said. His eyes 
were bright and glistening, his face shone with 
excitement; but it was “bad for him,” as his 
mother hastily decided, stroking his brow sooth- 
ingly, and bidding him “not worry” about it. 

“ Well, about this Swigart matter,” and Wilson 
rose to go. “ If you’ll let me. I’ll keep this letter. 
I want to chat Judge Ratchison about it. I’ve a 


84 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


notion I can collect it without a lawsuit,” he said 
in the doorway, as he departed, and the widow 
breathed a fervent thank-offering for the hope. 

“He is the God of the widow and the orphan,” 
she murmured to Jim, kissing him tenderly. “He 
has said — ‘I will surely hearken to their cry.’” 

The boy drew a deep breath of relief. 


CHAPTER V. 


TT was a long day to Jim. His condition made 
it necessary that he should remain quiet; 
but he could not sleep. The room was darkened, 
but he lay and thought of the affairs which, until 
now, had scarcely troubled him. Sometimes he 
grew dreadfully frightened, for coupled with his 
‘‘boy’s brave heart,” were also the nervous fears 
of his too active and too ardent fancy. It seemed 
sometimes that he should never be able to sleep 
again, so alive were all his faculties. If Wilson 
should fail — if the little home should be taken 
from them — what then ? And out of it came the 
resolution to do wonders for mamma and the chil- 
dren, and in his impatience he could scarcely bide 
the creeping moments. 

His mother, at noon, observed with alarm that 
his fever was rising, and sat by his side to quiet 
him. He could not eat, nor do anything but ask 


86 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


questions and ponder impossible plans, intermin- 
ably. She was thinking of sending for the doc- 
tor, when a shadow fell in the doorway, and on 
going to answer the knock, she beheld Judge 
Ratchison. 

She ushered him in in considerable perturbation, 
for, despite the fact that he was her husband’s 
executor, he had never but once been within the 
cottage. He was a spare man, well advanced 
in years, and with thin hair as white as snow. 
Twenty years before, as the presiding judge, his 
death had been expected from term to term, but 
he had a tenacious grip on life, though never 
much stronger than now. He looked as if he 
might die any moment, as he allowed her to take 
the cloak which he always wore, and seated his 
attenuated form in the cushioned chair she pushed 
forward for him. 

He was a power intellectually, and socially 
,as well, being a descendant of a noble family, 
and inheriting all their pride and icy manners. 
Because of his integrity and great abilities, he 
had been solicited by the dying man, her husr 
band, and had not felt at liberty to rufuse; but 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


37 


from the hopeless tangle of the dead man’s affairs, 
had been unable to accomplish much. The boy 
on the bed regarded him with feeling akin to awe, 
for not more famed was the integrity of the judge, 
than were his sternness and vindictiveness to the 
guilty. There was a look like marble on his 
spare face now, and his eyes were so keen they 
sparkled. 

“ Mr. Wilson called at my office,” he began, in 
the cold and incisive utterance peculiar to him, 
‘‘and inspired me with some faith in a plan of 
procedure with Swigart. I failed to settle it def- 
initely with him, however, and for that reason 
came down to give you some directions.” 

“Very good of you,” said the widow. “I am 
sorry you had to walk so far.” 

“He has strong common sense, and much 
knowledge of men,” continued the judge, not 
noticing her regrets, “and has an original plan” 
— here he smiled coldly with his thin, white lips. 
“It may do what we could not do otherwise. 
You had better endorse the note over to Mr. Wil- 
son the same as if he should become its pur- 
chaser; you can take a receipt — I have filled it 


88 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


for his signature.” Here he adjusted his gold- 
rimmed spectacles and found in a receptacle, the 
document, which he gave to her. “You will be 
perfectly secure. Mr. Wilson, of course, is an 
honest man, and in this case is disinterestedly 
acting, but the receipt will not wrong him, as it is 
worded. It would be glorious,” he added, pla- 
cidly leaning back in his chair; but she knew 
that beneath such an exterior glowed a great 
heart of genuine sympathy. 

He asked about Jim, and the widow could talk, 

and did, indeed, freely on that subject. The 
judge seemed interested, and though he said lit- 
tle, he remained for nearly an hour; which Jim 
remembered having heard was worth — he could 
not remember how many dollars. 

When he rose to go, he came to the bedside, 
and laying his cold hand on the boy’s hot fore- 
head, spoke to him such words in that stately way 
of his as the boy remembered to his dying day. 
Jim^s nerves tingled under the pressure of the 
stroking hand, and the injunction to “quit drov- 
ing and become a great lawyer ; who, unlike him- 
self in his decrepitude, could be the mortal . foe 


FINDING BLODGETT, 


89 


of wrong and the champion of right,” became, 
through all his future, a talisman. 

“We will find Blodgett, Jim; we will find him, 
yet ! ” And the great man was gone, and under 
the spell conjured by the magic of such a friend, 
the widow went smiling to her household duties 
and Jim found sleep at last. 

He was wakened several hours later by the 
sounds of Wilson’s buckboard before the house, 
and in a moment the brusque old drover, accom- 
panied by his wife, entered. He vigorously began 
inquiring about Jim’s condition, and laughed 
immoderately at Mrs. Harrington’s complaint just 
then to Mrs. Wilson, about the thieving propensi- 
ties of Prince. Dropping into a rocking chair, 
filling it completely, he stroked the arms as he 
eyed the dog and roguishly talked to him. “ So 
you’ve been stealing books, and hiding them ! 
You’ll be daft if you go in for book larnin, too, 
old dog; you’re smart enough as it is.” 

“He is just lonesome,” remarked Jim; “that’s 
a trick I taught him lately.” 

“ What in the world made you teach him that, 
brother.^” inquired Flora with much curiosity, as 


90 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


the widow got a stand ready, with ink and pen, to 
sign the note and take Wilson’s receipt. 

“ Oh, I thought it would be cute in him,” said 
Jim, stretching comfortably in the bed. ‘‘I had 
taught him everything else I could think of.” 

‘‘Well, he must unlearn that,” declared Mrs. 
Wilson, “ or you must teach him to bring them all 
back again.” 

“ I did. Here, Prince,” and Jim rose upon an 
elbow. The dog, who had faced each one intelli- 
gently as they conversed about him, approached 
the bed, and closing his relaxed lips and observing 
Jim breathless, waited for the word of command. 

“Oh, I got them all myself,” declared Flora, 
^but”— , 

“Maybe not,” said Jim, and pointing a finger 
at the dog emphatically — “ Prince, go and bring 
that book ! ” The dog sprang away and, to 
Flora’s surprise and the exceeding amusement of 
Wilson, returned sure enough, bringing a book 
that had not been missed. 

“Jim, that’s a bad trick,” laughed Wilson, sit- 
ting up to the stand and suspending the pen till 
his eyes could find the bottle. “You’ll have to 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


91 


make him — stop. And he twisted his mouth as 
he twisted the pen till he finished it — Mathew 
Wilson.” 

“This plan o’ mine isn’t quite perfection,” he 
exclaimed, turning toward the women. “ It’ll take 
mebbe fifteen or twenty dollars.” 

The widow’s eyes fell. “I haven’t a dollar,” 
she said, with evident reluctance. 

“Why, I paid Jim fifty!” 

“ I owed some bills and paid it all out.” 

“Well, that’s a woman’s way of financiering,” 
laughed Wilson again, very comfortably, rising to 
depart. “I didn’t want any; I only meant it 
would cost mebbe that much in the end. Come, 
Hannah,” he said, addressing his wife, “if you’re 
going with me. I want to drive to Swigart’s 
to-night,” and together they took their departure, 
Wilson promising as he left, to report the next 
afternoon. 

Jim rested poorly all night and had a headache 
in the morning. His mother’s evident doubtful- 
ness as to Wilson’s success in the Swigart matter 
quickened his apprehensions, and in his present 
condition, fretted him all the forenoon. His 


92 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


mother left him alone; she was engrossed with 
some other pressing care. Her face was anxious 
and preoccupied, and there were frequent low con- 
versations between her and Flora in the other 
room, which he could not overhear, but could 
detect signified trouble. 

The fact was, a note for a debt of her hus- 
band’s, which she had not been able to pay nor 
scarcely give a thought to in the press of her 
other worriments, had been sold at last, and pay- 
ment was demanded by the purchaser. She had 
been assured that she would be given *^her own 
time to pay it,” and he had been indeed very 
patient. She could not blame the man, and did 
not. He could not know how incapable — she 
could call it by no other name, nor shift blame, nor 
alas, devise any remedy. It was simply of a piece 
with the long torment set on foot by the condi- 
tion of her husband’s affairs. She had resolutely 
taken an inventory of her debts this morning, and 
they amounted to much more than she had 
thought. Her hopefulness had continually dimin- 
ished the amounts and enhanced the items of 
income. Even with the Swigart note paid, her 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


93 


affairs seemed to have retrograded frightfully. 
There would be delay in any case, and the pur- 
chaser of her note was — McClutchem. 

Jim obtained the full facts from Flora while his 
mother was gone in the afternoon. His eyes 
were bright and a fever was rising when his 
mother came in. She was in deeper trouble than 
ever, but chiding herself for neglecting him, the 
heavy-hearted and alarmed woman sat down by 
his bedside and endeavored to cheer and comfort 
him. Her hopeful words had always assured him 
and banished care utterly, but it could not be so 
any longer. He lay with flushed face and great, 
glistening, brown eyes staring fixedly, wrestling 
with the grievous problems. A great nameless 
dread began to overshadow her, before which her 
other cares vanished. 

She dreaded Wilson’s return, if unsuccessful, 
for the effect which it might have upon the boy ; 
and then, as evening drew on, listened anxiously 
for the buckboard, with a yearning hope that per- 
haps he would bring comfort and not despair. 

In the beautiful summer evening there were 
many out buggy-riding, and she listened to the 


94 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


wheels as they rumbled closer and spinned past, 
more and more with a nervous expectancy. 

Wilson had said he would report some time this 
afternoon, and Jim was inquiring about him and 
wondering at his delay. She would have sent to 
see if he had returned, but Josie was also sick and 
crying, and Flora was attending him in the other 
room. “Surely if he had good news he would 
have been here before this,” thought the widow 
very sorrowfully, as the clock was striking eight, 
and Jim’s tossing and feverish complaints were 
rendering her almost desperate. The conviction 
grew upon her that Wilson had failed, i 

Her eyes fell on the eyes of Prince, who, lying 
on the carpet, had been watching her movements 
with a human-like interest for some time. I 
will send Prince; Jim need not know and must 
not, at present,” she thought, as she quietly pro- 
ceeded to execute the plan she had thought of. 
She wrote a note to Mrs. Wilson asking if Mr. 
Wilson had returned, and inquiring for the result, 
saying with emphasis lines underneath the words, 
that she “would rather Mr. Wilson would not call 
this evening, as Jimmie was not so well.” Then, 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


95 


with a look at the dog she went out of the room, 
followed very closely by the observant brute, and 
when outside, tied the note to a string passed 
around his neck, and directed him as she had 
often seen Jim direct him. 

“Mrs. Wilson’s, Prince! Go to Mrs. Wilson 
— and give her the note!” The dog looked 
eagerly and intently into her eyes until she had 
finished, and immediately started upon the errand. 
She followed him round the house to see the 
direction he would take, and saw him disappear- 
ing in long bounds, down the street toward Wil- 
son’s. It was on the outskirts of the town, in an 
opposite direction from the pasture whence the 
sheep had been started to Pittsburgh. 

She stopped a few moments with Josie in the 
kitchen, sending Flora in to stay with Jim, but 
was quickly again relieved by Flora, who came out 
and besought her to send for the doctor. “ Send 
for him, mamma,” begged Flora. “Jim is very 
sick, do not delay a minute. 

The motherly remedies were not sufficient, as 
the widow soon became convinced, and she had 
taken Josie in her arms, and Flora was on the 


96 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


point of starting for the doctor, when Prince came 
into the room, hot and panting, but wagging his 
tail, and uplifting his head, as if he had news 
indeed. A note dangled from his throat, which 
the widow tremblingly detached and read. 


“ Have just got home. Will be up in the morning; Swigart 
will pay the note all right. I have a big offer to make you on 
another score. Very Respectfully, 

Mathew Wilson.” 

Of course it could not be kept from Jim, whose 
bright eyes glistened and whose hot face shone 
with pleasure, while his mother sank into a chair 
where he could not see, and with her apron to her 
eyes, wept tears in a relief which she had little 
expected even such news could bring. The doc- 
tor was delayed not an instant, and when he came 
in quick response to P'lora’s emphatic summons, 
though muttering something about brain fever as 
he seated himself to fix powders, he tarried long 
enough to decide that the signs were favorable 
already, before leaving. And so, indeed, they 
were. The news from Wilson had been the rem- 
edy, and with the doctor’s powders, sleep quieted 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


97 


the troubled brain in peacefulness that lasted until 
the morning. 

He was bright and lively when he wakened, 
and called for Prince as in the old time, and the 
overjoyed dog fairly romped himself wild for a lit- 
tle while. The mother had to interfere, and 
Prince, under a pretext of breakfast was conveyed 
to the coal-house and locked up, and impatient for 
Wilson’s appearance, the family sat down to 
breakfast. 

The wonderful project he might have in view 
was the cause of numerous conjectures. Flora 
thought he intended making Jim a partner, 
mamma that it concerned finding Blodgett. 

‘‘Oh, wouldn’t it be grand, mamma.?” cried Jim 
from the bed, and he charged them to talk loud at 
the table, so he could hear every word they said. 

“It is almost too good to be true,” declared the 
widow; “but God has blessed us so bountifully, 
and heard our prayers in every extremity, and 
maybe it is His will to restore our fortune.” 

“ I should think he would,” declared Flora, 
helping little Josie, who was also able to breakfast 
in fine shape. 


98 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


“ Don’t say it, darlinV’ said the widow. “We 
cannot know. If this world were all, we might 
know, but the discipline is for a grander world, 
and a life that is infinitely greater. He will do 
right, and we are only safe when we also do right, 
under all circumstances and in every emergency.” 

“How can we do right,” questioned Jim from 
the room, “if we can’t pay our debts, mamma.!*” 
and Flora looked eagerly at her for her answer. 

“I do not know,” answered the widow, frankly. 
“It is our duty to not live upon other’s bounty, 
nor contract debts which we cannot pay; and 
that, I confess, is the dilemma which has puzzled 
me sorely.” 

“We haven’t bought a single thing we could 
help, nor failed to make a penny we could make,” 
declared Flora, warmly ; “ and you have spent 
nothing, mamma dearest, for yourself, for ever and 
ever so long. • I can’t remember when you did get 
a thing for yourself.” 

“Nor anything for you, dear children,” her 
mother answered, quietly, “that wasn’t considered 
well and thought to be necessary.” 

“It’s Blodgett!” cried Jim exultantly from the 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


99 


bed, now see if it isn’t ! And won’t we be dif- 
ferent! Mamma shall have a silk dress, and 
Flora one, too, and Josie a little wagon ! ” 

“What’ll me have.!*” inquired Jennie, with 
twisting face, and tears in her eyes at the strange 
omission of herself, but Jim quickly heard her. 

“Oh, Jennie, you’ll get a nice set of china 
dishes and a doll with sure-enough hair 1 Oh, it’ll 
be too fine to talk about I ” he shouted. “I mean 
to go to college and be a great lawyer I ” 

Wilson’s “morning” was along in the after- 
noon, but at last the old buckboard came jaunting 
into sight, and Flora, who came running back 
into the house, said that Judge Ratchison was 
riding with him. 

They drove up and hitched, and into the tidy 
and clean little room came the pale-faced judge, 
in his cloak, and Wilson, red and smiling as usual. 

“The judge said he would like to -come along, 
and I told him I’d take him back if he wouldn’t 
be ashamed of his company,” said Wilson, tre- 
mendously, evidently flattered by the complacence 
of the icy old judge, whom he had admired and 
feared half his life-time. He was exceedingly 


100 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


proud of his achievement with the note, though 
he repeatedly declared that it “wasn’t any great 
thing to do.” 

“It was the simplest thing in the world,” he 
began, when they were all seated and the judge, 
after courteously inquiring about the boy, rather 
informally desired him to relate it. “I just knew 
what kind of a man he was, and how it would 
work, exactly. I took Sam Renfro along with me 
for a witness — he didn’t know Swigart nor Swig- 
art him, an’ we stayed at Barretstown all night, 
where we learned what a scamp Swigart was. 
We cut across country next morning, an’ struck 
the Ohio road, and came drivin’ down to Swigart’ s 
along about ’leven o’clock. I didn’t say we were 
from Ohio, but old Swigart thought we were, 
from the way I went on about the Perry County, 
Ohio, farms, and I wanted ‘Leicester’ sheep, you 
know, and had heard he had ’em.” 

“‘Yes,’ says Swigart, with a far-away foxy look 
in his cunning old eyes; he ‘had ’em,’ but he 
didn’t know as he cared to spare any.” 

“Well, I told him I was mighty particular, as I 
wanted thorough-breds an’ sure enough St. Kath- 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


lOI 


arine Canada stock, and that, he said, was 
exactly the kind he had, and the only sort he 
would have? He ‘believed in good stock, and 
had gone to a heap of trouble and a mighty 
expense to get ’em.’ 

“ I asked him if he imported them. 

‘“No; but as good a man as ever lived or 
died in Washington County — a Mr. Harrington 

— had; and he (Swigart) had the pedigrees, an’ 
had had them all certified since, by mail.’ And 
sure enough, the old reprobate had, an’ showed 
me the papers, as straight and as clear as a 
whistle. 

“You old wretch! thinks I, as I looked ’em 
over, if I don’t catch you in your villainy, now 
it’ll be funny ! 

“Well, we looked at ’em — the sheep, I mean 

— and there just never was such sheep, never! 
They were perfection ! He wouldn’t have a 
merino at any price, etc., etc. ‘How about the 
liability to foot evil ? ’ says I, and he said that was 
what mainly induced him to try them. He had 
heard and read that their hoofs, unlike the gross, 
soft hoofs of merinos, wouldn’t contract the dis- 


102 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


ease nor could they be infected. ‘I’ll be hanged,’ 
says he, ‘if it ain’t a fact,’ and he called on his 
sons to prove it. ‘My sheds and pastures were 
all infected by the merinos I had sold to get rid 
of, and there had never been a case among the 
Leicesters.’ 

“Well, of course I wanted some of that sort of 
sheep, and I wanted them bad, and I finally 
got him to price them — ‘Twenty dollars per 
head.’ 

“‘But if I take forty or fifty,’ says I, ‘you’ll 
make them cheaper } ’ 

“He thought I was bound to have them at any 
price, an’ says he — ‘No, I’ll take twenty dollars 
for one, or twenty dollars apiece for fifty ; an’ I’d 
rather sell one than fifty.’ 

“‘Well,’ says I, ‘I suppose you’ll have no 
objections to giving me a paper setting forth 
pedigree, history, etc., and stating their unliability 
to foot evil ? ’ 

“‘None in the least,’ says he, and I drew the 
paper up. 

“ ‘ How many do you want ? ’ he asked, after he 
had signed the paper, me a-laughin’ an’ chattin’ all 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


103 


the while, an’ Renfro listenin’ like an owl to all 
that was being said. 

I had intended taking one to bind the bar- 
gain ; that’s where I thought to lose the money ” 
— to Mrs. Harrington — “but thinks I, I can save 
that and I will. So, says I, H have a friend I 
would like to show this paper to before I decide ; 
may I do so.^’ ‘He wouldn’t promise to sell,’ he 
said, disappointed like; he might ‘change his 
notion to let any go,’ but thinking shrewdly, and 
hampered, too, by his own declarations, and at the 
same time managed a little by my talk, he finally 
let me change the wording where it said, ‘have 
sold,’ and I put the paper into my pocket. 

“‘Now, Mr. Swigart,’ says I — and I pulled 
the fifteen hundred dollar note on him — ‘I am 
the holder of this note, and I expect it to be paid 
within a week. I shall defer legal proceedings 
for exactly that long, and for not a day longer.’ 
You never saw exactly such a face. 

“ ‘ Are you not from Ohio } ’ he gasped. 

“‘I am from Washington, Pa.,’ says I; ‘and I 
came here to head off a lawsuit, an’ I guess I’ve 
got it headed.’ 


104 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


** ‘ ril not pay it ! ’ says he. 

“‘You’ll think better of that,’ says 1. ‘You’ve 
got no chance for anything except costs and dis- 
grace after this. Even if I hadn’t the statement 
over your own signature, my friend whom I 
brought along would establish the truth, and show 
that you have simply been trying to swindle the 
widow Harrington. But it is complete as it is, 
and I guess I’ll just keep the paper.’ 

“And I drove away,” laughed Wilson; “he 
never asked us to stay for dinner.” And the old 
judge, who had listened with a most impassive 
face, excepting for the glimmer of a smile once in 
a while, really smiled at the conclusion, and 
revealed very plainly in his luminous eyes, the 
deep satisfaction he was enjoying. 

“The money will be paid,” he said, nodding his 
head. 

“I will guarantee every dollar ! ” cried Wilson, 
“and that within a week.” Of course there was 
great satisfaction. 

“And now for piy new project,” exclaimed 
Wilson, and he turned toward the bed. 

“You said, Mrs. Harrington, that Jim must go 



PRINCE 





FINDING BLODGETT. 


lOS 

to school. You said you wouldn’t let him drove 
with me any more, or I’d never have thought of 
this thing. But I have taken a great fancy to the 
dog — Prince, I mean.” And the dog walked to 
him, and Wilson laid his hand like a proprietor 
upon his head. “ It’s a big price, but he’s worth 
it, every cent — “I will give one hundred dollars 
for this dog.” 


CHAPTER VI. 



'HE boy gave a frightened look at Wilson, 


and then at each of the others, when com- 
prehending that it was earnest — that his mother 
had no word of protest, he shrank underneath the 
bed-clothes, and burst into violent grief. 

Flora and his mother rushed to him with com- 
fort, and Wilson, after a little, strove awkwardly 
to amend, but nothing could quiet the tempest. 
He made no loud outcry, nor bitter lamentation, 
but sobbed at a rate which astonished the visitors 
and grieved both his mother and sister. In some 
way the news spread to the kitchen, and Josie and 
Jennie were also heard joining bitterly in the 
chorus. The mother closed the door upon them 
impatiently. 

“Oh, Jim, do for mercy’s sake hush up!” 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


107 


exclaimed Flora, much vexed ; and the judge 
arose and began casting about for his cloak. 
Wilson also arose and picked up his hat, looking 
ashamed ; and the widow could think of no utter- 
ance fit to make, as, having obtained the judge’s 
cloak for him, she meekly waited on them to 
depart. 

^‘He is a boy,” remarked the judge, ‘^and has a 
boy’s love for his dog. I mind me of a dog” — • 
he regretfully shook his head — ‘‘when I was 
about his age ; I have never owned anything com- 
parable to him since.” 

Poor Wilson was unhitching his horse and 
arranging the seat for the judge when that stately 
personage, bending above Jim at a very unusual 
angle, spoke to him in unusual accents. 

“ Let us hope there will be no necessity,” came 
dropping comfortingly to Jim’s ears. “Let us 
find Blodgett, and then will come better times.” 
Again the electrical hand lay on his forehead, and 
the silenced boy tingled beneath its pressure. 
And tingling the veins of the listener came the 
low injunction from the judge, to “Bend every- 
thing to Duty ; to swerve not a hair from the line 


io8 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


it marked out ; to stand between mamma and the 
world.” 

Jim lay there and thought it all over. 

His mother was blaming him, and his sister, 
too, rather severely, now that they were alone. 
But his mother admitted she wouldn’t sell Prince, 
and Flora wouldn’t “consider it for a moment.” 
This satisfied Jim and he made no defense, 
though for a good while the sobbings continued to 
jerk him as he sorrowfully stared through the 
window. 

He thought of the judge’s injunction, and like 
the former words, these latter were destined to 
live in his memory, influencing his life. 

In a few days the judge sent a note which said 
that he was at work upon what he hoped “ would 
yet prove a clue to the whereabouts of Blodgett.” 
The widow and her family cherished great expec- 
tations, and rested in the hope that he would 
succeed. 

Jim recovered and started to school; and the 
dream created by the judge’s words became his 
high ambition. He would become a great lawyer 
— the champion of the wronged. Accordingly he 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


109 


began to haunt the court-room in court weeks, 
and to watch the slow proceeding of most hum- 
drum cases with a sparkling, if unnoticed, inter- 
est. He was well advanced for his age ; and in 
the preparatory department of the College found 
leisure, which was utilized in this way. Some- 
times Judge Ratchison would take active part, 
and then he was all attention. 

Once, a memorable occasion, the judge was 
announced to speak on ‘‘The Conduct of The 
War.” Long before the hour, the house was 
filled ; for he was a famous orator, and of late 
years his health had not allowed much speaking. 
It was a critical time for the Government ; though 
the end of the war was near, it was unforeseen — 
the darkest hour for the Union. Discontent was 
rife in the section and partisans of every belief 
were in the audience, anxious to hear his every 
utterance. Among the earliest we may be sure 
was Jim; and never was boy more entranced. 
With dilated eyes and parted lips he gazed as one 
rapt, swayed by the eloquence of the orator. 
There was passionate invective and matchless, 
irresistible appeal — the hushed throng hanging 


I lO 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


breathless upon his words, and when at length the 
old man ceased, and one tremendous, prolonged 
storm of huzzas for The Union, made the old 
court-house tremble and resound, the boy thought 
that for such an hour, for such power, he would 
barter the energies of a life-time. 

He studied hard, and took recreation with 
Prince, who usually accompanied him to the col- 
lege grounds and rejoined him when he could. 
They had rollicking play-spells of evenings when 
Jim went after a troop of town cows to a subur- 
ban pasture, and returned them again a little 
later, but his energies never flagged, nor his pur- 
pose for an instant, and his sister and mother 
encouraged him. 

Through these months the widow had strug- 
gled, with indifferent success. 

Swigart paid th^ note as Wilson had predicted, 
and she paid off the mortgage with the money. 
For one night the family slept in comparative 
freedom ; but her own note was still to pay, and 
as there was no other way, a loan of three hun- 
dred dollars was effected, and a new mortgage 
given to secure it. McClutchem got almost two 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


II I 


hundred, in the note and its interest, and to the 
widow’s dismay, before the list of smaller debts 
remaining had been cancelled, the money had all 
been exhausted. 

But Jim was studying with a vigor that she was 
resolved not to interrupt; so Flora and herself 
took careful inventory of the situation and deter- 
mined to keep him from suspecting, and to make 
ends meet without him. Sewing went on, daily, 
and almost nightly, in the little cottage. The 
widow’s wan face became more pinched, and Flo- 
ra’s old look grew older. All that the most rigid 
economy could achieve was accomplished, and yet 
somehow the debts grew steadily, and the case 
became discouraging. Winter drew on, and 
when the first snow was falling, the outlook made 
the widow despair. Often the resolution had 
formed itself to sell Prince, if Wilson would buy 
him. But Jim’s happiness with the dog and 
their merry companionship, as often repressed all 
expression. He was all the boy had, she rea- 
soned to herself, and perhaps it could be avoided. 

In midwinter the struggle ended. With the 
savage ice blasts sweeping the bleak streets, she 


112 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


had gone, thinly clad, from hot office to hot office, 
seeking in vain to effect a second mortgage. 
Widows were unpopular with the money lenders, 
and second mortgages, too. With the fortune, oi* 
lack of fortune which appears to attend dismal 
struggles. Judge Ratchison’s “efforts,” which she 
had called at his office to make inquiries about, 
had resulted in complete failure. He himself 
seemed despairing of ever finding Blodgett, and 
she returned to the cottage, sick at heart, and with 
all her energies spent, went immediately to bed. 

All night long the curtains were lighted, and 
Jim and his sister listened in anguish to her 
moans and incoherent mutterings. A great and 
terrible sorrow seemed impending. They heard 
the clock tick, solemnly in the stillness, and echo 
in the darkness of the other room, with a sense 
of something awful present with them — a sense 
of Death, perhaps, in waiting upon “mamma.” 

Flora, her old face wan and shadowy in the 
lamp-light, held a worn shoe mutely toward Jim. 
He took it in silence, and saw how thin and 
frayed, and full of holes it was. Piteously appeal- 
ing was the worn old shoe. 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


II3 

“ Is this all she has } ” 

Flora nodded. 

So there came an end to the schooling. He 
understood at what a sacrifice his help had been 
dispensed with, and how poor they were again ; 
and the words of the old judge changed like a 
chime, and rang to him of “ Duty.” 

He knelt in the early morning beside Flora, to 
thank God because mamma seemed better, and 
without wakening her, started with Prince trot- 
ting nimbly beside him, to sell him at last to 
Wilson. 

He found the drover just approaching his gate ; 
and opening it for him, Jim waited till the buck- 
board drove through. 

“What’s wrong.?” cheerfully inquired Wilson, 
reining up, and observing his sober face with 
concern. 

Jim stated his business. 

^ “I’ll tell you what I’ll do, Jim,” returned the 
drover, brightly — “ Whoa, here ; can’t you stand 
a minute ! — ” jerking his mare back. “ I just need 
you mighty bad. I could make some money if I 
had you to help a spell. I could contract lots o’ 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


I 14 

sheep, an’ have you receive ’em an’ settle for ’em 
an’ deliver ’em to me at Pittsburgh ; I’d be fixed. 
I’ve been thinking of going to see you for some 
time. I’ve got a new idea” — jerking the rest- 
less mare back again and crossing his legs to 
explain it. “I’ve got a new idea” — Wilson was 
really somewhat of a thinker. “ They don’t make 
enough difference in price between wooled sheep 
and shorn sheep early in the spring. I’ve noticed 
it a good many years, and if I could shear them 
right at the stock-yards, and ship them, I believe 
I could ’most clear the wool. The sheep ’ud be 
shedded an’ crowded from that on and wouldn’t 
suffer if it was a little cold.” Here Wilson was 
compelled to reason again with the mare, which 
he did emphatically. She seemed determined to 
trot immediately away, and shook her head 
viciously when he subdued her. 

“What about Prince.?” Jim inquired. 

“Oh — anything. I’ll buy him — yes; or I’ll 
tell you what will be better, or suit you better, I 
expect — I’ll mortgage him.” He gave a laugh. 
“I’ll loan you a hundred dollars on him and you 
can work it out and still own him. What say .? 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


115 

Whoa! Now you better standi” And Wilson, 
after angrily regarding the mare for a moment, 
drew out his wallet, and began to count over the 
money. 

Jim of course was delighted, and a happier boy 
and a happier dog never raced, than they, return- 
ing to the cottage. 

“Oh, Jim, where did you get that.!*” exclaimed 
Flora in amazement, as flourishing a twenty-dol- 
lar bill, he marched past her on into the room 
where, moderating quickly his spirits and his man- 
ner, he laid it in his mother’s lap. Flora came, 
wiping her hands in her apron and leaving the 
breakfast to take care of itself. The widow was 
dressed and sitting up to the fire. Her languid 
features lighted at sight of his happy face. She 
started and would have inquired on beholding the 
money, but Jim kissed her and began explaining. 

“You see, mamma, I never dreamed — I thought 
you and sister were raising that hundred dollars 
by the first of March, and that was the reason you 
kept sewing so hard. But I saw your shoe” — he 
kept back a sob — “and sister told me” — he 
could not finish, but bit his under lip and looked 


Il6 FINDING BLODGETT. 

tearfully av^^ay from her. But clearing his throat 
and brightening and straightening bravely — “I 
mean to take papa’s place from this time on, and 
sister and you shall rest. I have bargained with 
Mr. Wilson, and am to begin this very morning ; 
so get me a little breakfast, sister, for I am to 
meet him at Brownleaf’s scales.” 

He counted out the remainder of the hundred 
dollars into his mothers’s lap, and kissing her, 
chatted with her quietly until Flora called him to 
breakfast. 

“What about the education, Jim.^” queried 
Flora, sorrowfully, as he was finishing his meal. 
She had not spoken the whole time he was eating 
till now. 

“ Oh, that’s all right. It is only two weeks till 
the holidays, anyway. I mean to keep studying 
just the same.” 

“Come, Prince!” And donning the old coat 
which had been his father’s, but which served him 
for an overcoat, the boy went joyously through 
the gate, playing with Prince as he went. 

The morning was bright, the snow crusted upon 
the frozen ground, the air sharp and penetrating. 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


II7 


It was five miles to Brownleaf’s, but the sheep 
were just arriving to be weighed when Jim and 
his dog came briskly up to the scales. 

Wilson, with his hands in his pockets, was in the 
best of humor, and had said something much to 
Jim’s credit we may be sure, from the way the 
two or three old farmers and the weigh-master 
looked smilingly into his face as he came up. 
Prince paid his respects to Wilson, who caressed 
him with one hand, and told the farmers that 
there wasn’t “such another dog in the whole 
United States. Why, he understands every 
word that boy says, and Jim understands all his 
motions. Make him cut out that black wether, 
Jim,” and Wilson indicated the sheep in question, 
when, having observed to see that he was in 
earnest, Jim directed the dog, who executed the 
maneuver in a jiffy. 

The old farmers guffawed, and the scale-master 
smiled. The scale-master returned to his balanc- 
ing of the scales, rather absently minded, for he 
removed all the weights he had just been adjust- 
ing, and then, recollecting, readjusted them exactly 
as they had been. 


Il8 FINDING BLODGETT. 

Drive ’em on ! ” he cried, and the sheep were 
huddled onto the scales, the gate fastened, and 
everything pronounced “clear.” Wilson, with his 
hands in his pockets, directed Jim to take down 
the weights. 

“ I want you to count them up, too, and settle 
for ’em. I want you to just relieve me of all o’ 
this, so I need not be along unless it suits me.” 

Jim modestly did as he was directed, and when 
all had been weighed, and the amounts which the 
several men should receive had been calculated, 
his estimates were found to be correct. 

“Now here’s a check-book” — and Wilson gave 
him a new one — “and you are to sign for me, tak- 
ing a minute on each stub. Yes, it’s on old 
McClutchem. I’m banking with him lately. I 
shall vouch for your signature as soon as I get to 
town.” 

So Jim checked out more than one thousand 
1 dollars, that day, and then took the road, with 
Prince before the sheep in magnificent spirits, 
while Wilson, red and smiling, sped ahead in the 
buckboard as of old. 

The sun shone warm upon the snow. The 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


II9 

snow softened and ran down the road in rivulets. 
The dog never behaved better, the sheep traveled 
like trained soldiers, and when, early in the after- 
noon the flock was fed at Wilson’s farm, the boy 
was dismissed with praises, for the day, and raced 
home again in fine feather. 

Early next morning they were at Wilson’s 
again, and went with the drover to another scales, 
where Jim did the settling as before, and tne 
morning after that, with the drove made up, they 
started to Pittsburg. 

Wilson intended to sell them without shipment 
further. The toll-gates were no trouble now, for 
Wilson’s word was good as gold when he had 
promised, as he had done to Jim, and Morrison’s 
was comfortable and pleasant, and shining brightly 
that night. Allen’s, too, was the stopping place 
next, and Billy the helper to the stock-yards ; and 
so, as before, but through the snow and frozen 
winter, Jim managed the flocks for Wilson. 

When Christmas came the little stockings were 
hung up, and Santa Claus paid such a visit as he 
never had paid before. Even Prince got a bran 
new kennel. Flora and “mamma” were rested 


120 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


and cheerful-looking, and Jim seemed never more 
happy. The boy and his dog were familiar to 
everybody. No day so blustering, nor weather so 
savage, as to prevent them from being upon the 
road. Small difference did it make to Jim and 
Prince. The bright eyes and ruddy cheeks of the 
handsome boy were coveted by many who shivered 
in far warmer clothing. 

In March, business thickened. Pursuant to 
his original scheme, Wilson had contracted ” a 
large number of sheep to be taken at this time. 
McClutchem stared at the checks which were 
being presented, and steady-going farmers shook 
their heads, and muttered among themselves of 
disaster. Wilson had rented a large barn adjacent 
to the stock-yards in Pittsburg, and toward the last 
of this month he remained there constantly. A 
large force of shearers were busy clipping wool 
through the mild spells. Cold weather would 
stop the shearing, mild weather renew it more 
vigorously ; for the early weeks were passing, and 
soon the regular spring shearing would flood the 
market, and crowd present high prices downward. 

Jim’s business was to receive and settle for the 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


I2I 


sheep, and deliver them to Wilson in Pittsburg; 
and faithfully did he and Prince perform their 
part. Comfort-loving as Wilson was, he was 
capable of prodigious energy. He used the 
money from the sale of shorn sheep in buying 
wooled ones on the market ; and so it came to 
pass that McClutchem at last grew suspicious at 
his absence, and the absence of all remittances. 

Very often now the boy was compelled to carry 
packages of money to the scales. Various reasons 
were given by the farmers for their unwillingness 
to accept checks, but the truth was, Wilson was 
beginning to be regarded as unsafe; though Jim 
never once suspected it. 

One day, on presenting himself at McClutch- 
em’s, he was informed that no more checks would 
be honored. ^‘I have written to Mr. Wilson,” said 
McClutchem, leaning over the counter and pierc- 
ing the boy with his cold eyes, ‘‘that he must 
settle. He is doing very strangely, entrusting 
such amounts and granting such privileges to a 
boy ; and that alone would decide me. But he has 
reached the limit of his securities. He must settle, 
and that very promptly. When can you see him ? ” 


122 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


Jim Stammered that he could start with what 
sheep he had — it would take two days to reach the 
city — he thought they could return by Saturday. 

‘‘He must be here to-morrow,” said McClutch- 
em, curtly, “and the sheep on his farm — you will 
not be allowed to remove. I shall replevin them 
immediately.” And he left the boy unceremoni- 
ously, and went back to his place at a desk. 

Jim turned from the counter like one stunned, 
and went home to counsel with his mother. He 
had no fears himself about Wilson, whose easy- 
going, presuming way in the business, he thought 
he understood. Mrs. Wilson chanced to be visit- 
ing at the cottage and shared in the excited little 
caucus. 

It seemed best to go straight to Wilson, and 
accordingly, within an hour Jim was headed 
toward Pittsburgh, driving Wilson’s mare in a 
sleigh got from Wilson’s barn. 

The sleighing was excellent, though it began to 
snow heavily as he started, and Prince, quite 
unnoticed in the flurry, was along, as he dis- 
covered very soon. Jim could have sent the dog 
back, but was glad of his company. 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


123 


‘^Here, old dog, get in and ride.” And when 
Prince joyfully obeyed, Jim told him of the 
trouble, with great particularity, and expressed 
himself freely about McClutchem. 

‘‘He’s going to take Mr. Wilson’s farm like he 
took my papa’s, if he can, but I don’t think he 
can. He hasn’t got a poor dying man to deal 
with, nor a woman like mamma, either. 

“He didn’t like my checking. I didn’t, either; 
but I couldn’t help it. But all the money he has 
got, couldn’t tempt me to be like him. You 
know that. Prince, don’t you ? An’ you’re only a 
dog!” The dog, who had listened, and convul- 
sively gathered, and relaxed, looking up at him 
with uncertain waggings of his tail ever and anon, 
threw his head back and barked his poor opinion 
of McClutchem, and sprang up, nestling against 
the boy’s bosom to show his abiding faith. At 
least, Jim understood it so, and told the dog he 
wouldn’t give his good opinions for a hundred 
McClutchems, nor his love for the whole of 
his money. “He has our money. Prince, and 
mamma’s, and if we could only find Blodgett we 
would get it all back. Oh, don’t I wish I could 


124 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


find him ! ” And Prince, who had certainly been 
told this quite often enough to understand it, 
seemed to be intently considering as to where 
Mr. Blodgett might be found. 

Jim thought best to leave Prince at Morrison’s, 
which he did, bidding him stay there till he 
returned ; and driving on steadily, reached the 
stock-yards soon after noon. 

Wilson was holding forth to a wool buyer in 
the barn when Jim entered it. He was surprised 
to see Jim, but did not take his hands out of his 
pockets at the news, which the boy privately 
divulged to him. He grew very indignant at 
McClutchem, however, being sensitive about the 
disappointment of the men at the scales, and the 
replevin, and the probable other similar actions it 
would occasion. 

But he was serenely complacent in the knowl- 
edge that McClutchem had been over-smart.” 
‘‘I’ve just made a hat full of money! ” he told the 
boy, “ and I’ll make it right warm for the old 
shark, now, you see if I don’t ! ” 


CHAPTER VII. 


T T 7ILS0N was resolved to wind up his bush 
* ^ ness before going home. ‘‘There isn’t 
rnuch to do, and one day don’t signify, when he’s 
done all the harm he can do,” he said. “We’ll 
start home to-morrow evening.” 

“But Mr. McClutchem said he must see you 
to-morrow,” urged the boy. 

“ McClutchem be hanged ! ” answered Wilson, 
and this was all the attention he would give it. 

They did not get through the next day, nor the 
day after, till well toward evening. 

It had turned extremely cold ; the coldest 
weather of all that year was on this day and 
night ; and Wilson, as the finish drew near, began 
to show signs of drinking. Jim was kept very 
busy assisting in sacking the wool which had 
been sold, but Wilson made frequent trips to the 


126 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


bar-room, and was becoming talkative and boister- 
ous. The boy dreaded the trip home exceedingly, 
if he kept on drinking, but lost no time when they 
were through, in getting started. 

The lamps were lighted when they reached 
Allen’s, and here Wilson stopped for supper. 

He drank heavily and soon became noisy. He 
lingered in the bar-room after supper, discoursing . 
of McClutchem, and was surely “drunk above his 
knees ” this time, for he behaved in a style quite 
unusual. 

“An’ here’s the money,” he declared, drawing 
forth his large pocket-book; “an’ ten thousand 
dollars in legal tenders inside of it ! ’Cause I 
wouldn’t carry drafts to the old skinner an’ let 
him get the discount for collecting. I’ve made 
four thousand cool money! An’ that old shark 
thinks I’m busted, or in a fix so he can finish me, 
an’ gobble up a pile like he did from this boy’s 
father. But I guess he’s mistaken. I think so,” 
and he leered in a drunken attempt to look sly at 
everybody in the room. 

There were a good many present, and Allen 
came round from behind the bar to persuade him 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


127 


to put up his money. That’s no way to do; 
Wilson, put that in your pocket ! It’s risky 
foolin’ that way.” But Wilson was unmanage- 
able. “ Think it ain’t here .? ” And he pulled 
off the rubber band and exhibited the big bills 
packed within. Allen finally coaxed him to 
replace it in his pocket, on the promise to give 
him the liquor which he had been prudently try- 
ing to withhold. 

<‘A11 right,” hiccoughed Wilson, and bade Jim 
get the horse out. He immediately called the 
boy back, however, and bade him come close up 
beside him. “Gem’l’men,” he said, extending 
one arm in a fatherly way, ^‘this is an honest boy 
— a truthful boy! I’d trust him with my life! 
An’ ole McClutchem wrote me makin’ that excuse 
that I was riskin’ him to check an’ carry money. 
That’s one reason I didn’t pay any attention to 
the old shark’s letters — I knowed Jim was honest 
as steel.” Here Allen handed him the bottle. 

Wilson could not make room for it in his 
pocket. He fumbled for a moment, then said — 
“Here, Jim, you carry this.” He took out the 
pocket-book to make room for the bottle, and 


128 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


entrusted, or tried to entrust, the wallet of money 
with the boy. Allen shook his head warningly at 
Jim and Jim demurred, but taking the boy’s over- 
coat, which Jim was carrying on his arm, Wilson 
suspended it by the collar, and stuffed the wallet 
into an inside pocket. He then bade Jim put the 
coat on. “And take care o’ that money; an’ get 
the horse an’ sleigh!” 

Allen sent Billy along, who, in the stable, gave 
the boy “a leg,” to ride the mare to a hydrant for 
a drink before starting. He almost lifted Jim 
over the horse, and a harness pin projecting from 
a stall end catching his coat, nearly threw him to 
the floor. It was dark in the stable, and Jim 
heard something fall upon the straw. He feared 
it was the pocket-book, but pressing with his arm, 
felt it all right beneath, and rode off to water the 
mare. 

When he returned, he and Billy hitched up, 
and by the time this was done Billy had effect- 
ually frightened him with an account of some 
hard characters who were loafing in the bar-room. 
With considerable nervous dread Jim waited with- 
out the tavern, until Billy could see if they were 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


129 


Still there. The boy feared they had slipped out 
to waylay them upon the dark road, for there was 
a long stretch of deserted coal mines ahead, where 
Billy said robberies were frequent. • 

Billy came out and reported in a whisper that 
they were still in there,” whereat Jim felt some- 
what relieved. 

He was very tired of waiting and thoroughly 
chilly, when Wilson at last staggered out, and 
with difficulty was helped into the sleigh. 

Jim started on. It was dark for an hour or so 
and very cold and still. No travelers were on the 
road. Wilson murmured maudlin, and tried to 
sing, and occasionally became troublesome with 
attempting to drive, but the boy managed to keep 
the lines and no accident occurred till they 
reached Morrison’s. 

It was nearly midnight when they drove up ; 
but the old tavern had lights, and Wilson said he 
must have whiskey or he should freeze. Jim did 
his best to prevent it. He promised to get a buf- 
falo robe and drive all the way, but it was of no 
avail. 

“There’s a robe in the barn,” answered Jake to 


130 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


his inquiries, as Wilson staggered into the bar- 
room. “You can borrow it, if you go and get it; 
an’ you want yer dog, anyway. You’ll find it in 
the vacant stall next the feed room.” And he 
handed Jim the key. 

It was to be a night of accidents from this on, 
and the first one occurred in the barn. Prince 
joyfully met him and there was an instant’s happy 
greeting at the threshold, for Jim had become 
uneasy, because of the detention in the city. But 
in seeking for the robe, which was not where 
Jake said it was, he fell through a trap-door that 
had been inadvertently left open. He was con- 
siderably astonished, even if not hurt. His first 
thought was of the pocket-book, but he could feel 
it beneath his arm, and speedily regained the 
barn floor and presently obtained the robe. He 
hurried back to the bar-room and saw Wilson tak- 
ing his second, or perhaps third, drink, and stow 
away in his pocket again the bottle, which had 
. been refilled. Jim got him into the sleigh with- 
out much difficulty, and tucked the robe snugly 
about him. 

“Jim, you’ll freeze!” declared old man Morri- 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


I3I 

son, feeling his coat. “You’re not half clad for 
such a night ! Let me get you somethin’ ; you’re 
shiverin’ ! ” But Jim was afraid Wilson would go 
back if they tarried an instant, and would not 
accept of anything. 

“And those little thin mittens, and all the 
drivin’ to do ! ” 

“ I’ll drive ! ” declared Wilson, drunkenly ; “ an’ 
it ain’t a bit cold. I ’dare I’m warm ! Take a 
drink, Jim” — fumbling for the bottle — “it’ll 
do you good, ’deed it will!” But Jim would not 
have drank if the case had looked far more des- 
perate. It is doubtful if he would have accepted 
clothing from Morrison, he felt so incensed and 
bitter because of the whiskey. 

He hurried onward in the light of a rising moon. 

It was a fearful night. The earth shone, the 
stars glittered. The air was harsh as ice. The 
sounds of the sleigh squealed treble and shrill; 
the black mare was white with frost. High rode 
the moon, and the snow shone like gloss in the 
fields, and the graceful drifts along the roadside 
shimmered and rose and fell like billows, as the 
sleigh slipped past. 


132 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


A heavier snow had fallen here than further 
back toward the city. A bare track-width cut 
through it, narrow and deep, but nothing was met 
as they traveled on. Wilson had been talkative, 
then boisterous ; he now was silent, sunk down 
in the bed of the sleigh. Jim feared that he was 
freezing, and sheltered him carefully with the 
robe. He feared he was freezing himself; surely 
never was such a night. 

Prince jogged along behind the sleigh, and was 
all his company. But Jim did not talk. He 
sometimes looked back and would have taken the 
dog in, but feared to disturb the drover. He 
kept counting the hills ahead — counting them 
off as he left them at their summits, with an 
intense satisfaction as each one dropped back. 
His hands felt as if they were freezing; and he 
would beat them and change the lines, but they 
seemed incapable of warmth. 

At a hill six miles from home a tug broke. It 
roused Jim, for he was drowsing ; and he got out, 
but could scarcely stand, he was so benumbed. 

Nor could he unfasten the hitch-rein, with 
which he must mend it — or perish. Murmuring, 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


133 


‘‘What an awful night!” he drew his mittens 
with his teeth, and essayed with stiff but unham- 
pered fingers to loosen the strap, and succeeded. 
Then he must cut a hole in the tug, and before 
the ordeal of finding and opening his penknife, 
thought strongly of crawling back into the sleigh. 
He shrank in affright from the treacherous incli- 
nation and undertook the task with vigor. It 
seemed an age before it could all be accomplished, 
and even then, it was poorly done. He doubted 
if it would hold, but staggered and fell rather than 
climbed into the sleigh, and on plunged the mare 
again. 

He had opened his coat to get his knife, and 
left off rebuttoning it, and had fallen in the drift ; 
so now, as so often he had felt for the pocket- 
book, he pressed with his arm, and assured of its 
safety, fastened his coat and got his stiff hands in 
their mittens. 

Wilson was still lying like a lump in the bot- 
tom of the sleigh. The boy feared he was perish- 
ing, and as they neared home the resolution 
seized him to drive direct to the cottage. Whlson 
might be dead if he trusted to take him farther. 


134 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


and waken the dull tenant at the farm. He 
might be dead, as it was. 

At last the town was in sight, and down 
through the dead streets went the faithful mare, 
with the sleigh and the dog behind. He stopped 
in front of the cottage, and in getting out fell 
prone upon the street. He was almost frozen, 
and lay for an instant, benumbed in utter help- 
lessness. The mare started homeward; he called 
to her, and struggling to his feet, staggered after 
her. She was gone, with Wilson in the sleigh, 
and dreading what might happen, Jim labored 
after, gathering new life very rapidly. Even 
Prince had deserted him ; but he did not blame 
the dog, nor even the mare. The latter he found 
standing quietly at Wilson’s gate, which he 
swung, and clambered in. He could not drive, 
his hands were frozen, and the mare paused not 
until she had entered a long shed beneath the 
^ barn, where leaving her, the boy ran as fast as he 
was able to the house. 

The tenant was quickly awakened, and return- 
ing with him, Wilson was bundled out of the 
sleigh, in much better condition than Jim had 



SURELY NEVER WAS SUCH A NIGHT. 





k 







9 


i 



FINDING BLODGETT. 


135 


imagined. The tenant, in solicitous accents now 
bade Jim to take care of himself. He assumed 
charge of everything and directed the boy to keep 
snow to his hands, and get home as quickly as 
possible. Jim had been making futile efforts to 
draw out the pocket-book, and now asked the man 
to assist him. 

“Where’s the money inquired Wilson after 
a moment, as there was silence between them. 

“Where, indeed.^” 

The pocket-book was not to be found. 

“ 0-o-o-o-oh ! ” groaned the agonized boy, as 
every pocket was gone through and the sleigh 
examined in vain by the light of a lantern; “it is 
lost ! It is lost ! What I supposed to be it, all 
night, was my memorandum book and check 
book ! Was there ever such an awful night ! ” 

Wilson appeared to sober immediately, and 
joined in an exhaustive final examination. But it 
was in vain. The old coat had a sort of abortive 
pocket underneath the right arm, and into this, 
it seemed plain, the wallet had been thrust by 
Wilson when the coat dangled from his hand. 

“Well, I’m done for ! ” declared the drover with 


136 FINDING BLODGETT. 

a portentious sigh. There’s no use in freezing; 
go to your mother as quick as you can.” 

It was just shining light in the unclouded east, 
when the cottage inmates were awakened, and 
there was great commotion for an hour or more. 
Both hands were severely frozen, but Mrs. Har- 
rington had had experience in such cases, and 
made no mistake in the treatment. Jim was kept 
in the cold kitchen with his hands in ice water, 
and despite the pain which soon became torturing, 
he kept intently considering every incident of the 
night. He believed the money had been lost in 
Allen’s barn. 

It is necessary to explain the peculiar pocket. 
Jim had worn the old coat every winter since the 
death of his father, and could not remember ever 
noticing it. It was too far back to be readily 
reached — as if it was a mistake of the tailor. It 
was unusually large and deep, with its lower 
seam half sewed, half missed by the stitches, and 
open. The pocket-book might have remained 
there, securely, or by a jerk might have been 
displaced, and so have fallen through the open 
lining. 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


137 


He remembered the jerk of the harness pin, 
and believed that what he had heard, was the 
pocket-book falling upon the straw. He remem- 
bered it all very clearly, and how, reassured by 
the pressure beneath his arm, he had fancied it 
merely some strap. 

He felt sure the money was at Allen’s, and 
accordingly, realizing the value of time, told his 
mother and sister of his plan, and Flora quickly 
prepared a slight breakfast. He partook of it 
hastily, and with his aching hands bundled thickly 
and securely, hurried to Wilson’s, and soon there- 
after, was comfortably ensconced again in the 
sleigh. The tenant held the reins, and a fresh 
horse trotted swiftly away toward Pittsburgh. 

The sleigh was not halted for several hours. 
Jim hoped the money had not been found, or that 
Billy had been the finder. When he thought of 
McClutchem, and the probable fate of poor 
Wilson, he fairly trembled with dread at the 
issue. 

They made the twenty-six miles in three hours 
and a fraction, and at last, trembling in every 
limb and with his heart beating wildly, Jim 


138 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


sprang from the sleigh and rushed into Allen’s 
barn. 

The pocket-book was not to be found, and 
after turning the straw, and seeking till he quite 
despaired, Jim hastened to the house to find Billy. 

No, Billy hadn’t found it. 

Gre-a-a-t Scott! You didn’t lose that ten 
thousand dollars I ” shouted Allen, and Billy 
chimed in astonishment, and every one within 
hearing took up the chorus, and crowded, and 
questioned, till Jim fairly sickened in abject 
misery. 

He offered a large reward, as Wilson had 
charged him to do — five hundred dollars to the 
finder” — and soon turned the sleigh and headed 
for Morrison’s, to search where he had fallen 
through the floor 

Prince had been left at home, glad enough to 
remain in his kennel, but Jim began to wish that 
he had brought him. He believed the dog would 
have noticed the book if it had been dropped at 
Morrison’s, or after leaving there, and that he 
would have cared for it in some way or other. 
Prince had carried his memorandum book often, 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


139 


for miles at a time in the road. Jim believed he 
would certainly have saved it ; he would have 
brought it to him, or carried it, or secreted it, and 
he might have secreted it at Morrison’s. 

So strong did this belief grow upon him, that 
at Morrison’s, when the most careful scrutiny, 
and inquiries failed to discover a trace of the 
missing treasure, he looked in many unlikely 
spots ; beneath hay tufts, and underneath horse 
blankets, hoping to stumble upon it. 

But at last he settled into the original belief 
that the loss had occurred at Allen’s. Someone 
had found it, and the chances were against ever 
recovering it. 

A disconsolate looking twain drove into Wil- 
son’s gate that evening, and met a disconsolate 
drover. 

Wilson seemed completely stunned, and had 
scarcely a word to say. 

The boy went home about dark with no other 
plan to be thought of. He could not sleep, till 
almost morning, and then dreamed the money 
was at Morrison’s — hid by the dog in the 
hay-mow. 


140 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


There were incongruities in the dream, and Jim 
could not understand how Prince could ascend to 
the hay-loft, but there were steep steps instead of 
a ladder, and he wakened with the resolution to 
take Prince and make search at Morrison’s. 

Wilson did not oppose, nor did he encourage it 
when the boy asked for the sleigh and the driver 
again. He was dazed and dull, crushed out of all 
resemblance to himself by the calamity, and 
feebly yielded assent ; so again they drove away 
toward Pittsburgh. 

Prince was in the sleigh, and as they rode 
along, the boy sometimes made wild appeals 
which frightened the old tenant considerably. 
He thought the boy was going crazy; and the 
dog seemed to be partaking of the same belief. 
Prince would throw his head back and bark, and 
leap out of the sleigh and start homeward. 

‘‘You’re scaring the dog,” expostulated the 
tenant, and Jim would soothingly speak to Prince, 
and induce him to return, when relapsing into 
quietness they would proceed again, and so they 
at last reached Morrison’s. 

The boy and his dog went directly to the barn ; 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


141 


and when the old tenant entered it they were in 
the hayloft. He blinked his old eyes very 
queerly at this, and resolved to get Jim home as 
soon as possible, and make no more trips along 
with him. He feared a lunatic as he did a ghost, 
and drew a deep breath of relief when at last the 
boy descended with the dog under his arm very 
civilly. 

It was not there Prince made excursions as 
often as he was bidden, and brought various 
things but no pocket-book, though the words 
were repeated — “Bring the pocket-book — the 
pocket-book — the pocket-book ! ” until the old 
tenant walked out of the barn wearied with the 
very sound. Prince also grew wearied, and 
drowned the boy’s voice in discordant barkings, 
and ran out and would not at last return. 

Jim gave it up; and silently climbing into the 
sleigh, allowed the old driver to start homeward. 

Prince ran ahead, and came back barking joy- 
fully, and repeating this over and over, hope 
flamed again feebly with the boy. He watched 
for the spot where the tug had broke ; and when 
they came to it the sleigh was stopped, and Prince 


142 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


called back to join in a final search. The snow 
was kicked about and examined until there was 
plainly no further use for it, when completely 
hopeless of ever regaining the money, they pro- 
ceeded to Wilson’s in silence. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

TT HLSON had not expected better, and he 

^ ^ seemed not more despondent when they 
joined him. 

He was more like himself and could talk, at 
least, much more volubly. He had been to see 
McClutchem, and there was evidence that the 
meeting had been a stormy one. 

“The old thief don’t believe we ever had it, 
Jim, and just as good as said so. Or if we had, 
he thinks you made away with it, and said he 
didn’t blame you — the old scoundrel! I know 
you’re all right, my boy,” he kindly continued. 
“I don’t blame you, I only blame myself. You 
have done all you could, and I’d trust you with 
my naked heart.” 

“ He has foreclosed the mortgage on my farm. 


/ 


144 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


and every man I owe a dollar, who can do it, has 
entered it up at the court-house. They’re going 
to pick me bare — the vultures, exactly like they 
did your father. I slapped old McClutchem, and 
they fined me for that,” he continued, smiling a 
grim smile of satisfaction as he remembered what 
a fright he had occasioned the broker. “An’ I 
took his two ears an’ bumped his old nose on his 
counter. He grinned like he really enjoyed my 
trouble, an’ I just couldn’t help it — I welted him 
one for luck. Go on home. I’m cooked brown ; 
but I’ll pay you, all I owe you, first one that’s 
paid.” 

Jim had not a thought of himself, and told him 
he wouldn’t take a cent, and left him with his 
poor hands in their bundles trying vainly to hide 
his gushing tears. 

Half way up the board walk, perhaps, from Wil- 
son’s he beheld Flora, running, out of breath and 
beckoning. She would pause, and then run on 
again, and wave her shawl wildly for him to hurry, 
and accelerating his pace he soon heard. 

“We’ve got the money! Prince has it I It’s 
all right I ” and kindred speeches which flooded 


FINDING BT<ODGETT. 


145 


his heart so he scarcely could speak, or know 
scarcely a thing as he joined her. 

Prince came walking right into the room,” 
panted Flora, “with it in his mouth — and laid 
down before the fire, with his paws laying right 
on top of it. He don’t want us to touch it. 
He’s waiting for' you. He walked so funny, and 
slow and mighty like; oh, you just ought to have 
seen him ! ” 

Jim was rushing along so fast that Flora could 
not keep with him. No word could he utter, but 
pale and staring, rushed into the house, where his 
mother’s happy face, and the joy of the children, 
with Prince delivering the treasure, made a pic- 
ture of such happiness as rarely ever falls to 
mortals. 

“Where did he get it.?” stammered Wilson a 
few moments later, when the pocket-book intact 
was restored to him. 

“I can’t exactly make out,” answered the 
delighted boy. I know now that he wanted us to 
come back all the morning. That’s what he 
meant by barking and jumping out of the sleigh, 
but I was thinking of Morrison’s. I think I lost 


146 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


it when I fixed the tug — I had an awful time, 
unbuttoning and getting my knife, and fell down 
in the snow. He carried it all the way home ! 
He left me at the house, as I remember, and 
didn’t join me till I reached the barn. I think he 
carried it right into his kennel before he stopped.” 

“Well, you’re both of you trumps!” exclaimed 
Wilson; “that’s what you are!” and the old ten- 
ant’s face fairly shone with unmingled admiration. 
“I forgive you the mortgage on the dog. He 
belongs to you, and now tell me what else I can 
do for you ? ” 

The brown eyes sparkled with some thought 
that kindled behind them. Wilson commanded 
him to speak out freely. “You’ve nearly lost 
your life twice in my service, an’ it’s time I was 
doing something for you. I wouldn’t give you 
and the dog for all the friends I have,” he bit- 
terly completed; “so speak out, an’ if I can do it, 
I will.” 

“There’s two things,” said the boy, very 
timidly. 

“All right if there’s ten. I’ll do it if I can.” 

“Never drink any more.” 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


147 


Wilson clouded, but answered after thinking 
for a moment — never will. I’ve said it, and I 
guess it’s the only plan. I’ve been thinking that 
subject over pretty carefully to-day, anyway. I’ll 
never drink another drop. 

‘^What else.^” as the boy remained silent, and 
Wilson looked into the earnest brown eyes. 
They were shining through tears shyly upon him. 

‘‘Please help find Blodgett.” 

“I will!” exclaimed Wilson, springing to his 
feet. “ It’s the very thing I I owe it to old 
McClutchem ! And I’ll find him ! I’ll never 
stop till I do.” 

* * * Hf- * * 

Of how Wilson found Blodgett’s brother-in-law, 
in Wetzel County, Western Virginia, and, in the 
guise of a fruit-tree pedlar stopping over night at 
his farm-house, obtained his clue, we need not 
speak in detail. “Davenport” was the single 
word obtained, in the neighborhood of which 
western city he was sure his man would be found. 
Or of how — with his peculiar shrewdness — he 
armed himself with an old worthless deed or 
insurance document, upon which a flaming Re- 


148 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


corder s seal was affixed, with which he intended 
scaring his man when found, to make him 
tractable. 

“ Combining business with pleasure,” as he 
expressed it to Judge Ratchison, he took a large 
flock of stock sheep along, to sell to the western 
farmers, and Jim and Prince were accordingly in 
the company. 

It was June when the sheep, in six double-decks, 
were rolling westward from Pittsburgh. For the 
first time Jim saw the prairies, and their immen- 
sity and wildness filled him with wonder and 
delight. No fences nor settlements for miles and 
miles, but on, and on, the long train trundled 
steadily, upon a track straight as a line and nar- 
rowing to a point in the distance — between 
bordering ditches of water and wild grass, .an 
ocean on either hand — toward Blodgett continu- 
ally it seemed to the boy. And when night pict- 
ured the stars and the flying moon in the wayside 
water, and sparks showered out in the clouds of 
the sentient heading engine, it was rapture to 
recline upon a car-top, following in the long pro- 
cession, and dream of the wondrous future. “ Oh, 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


149 


Prince ! ” he would rapturously exclaim, turning 
upon his breast, and with red lips to the silky ears 
would whisper such romances, as fairly astonished 
that companion. But nothing could long astonish 
Prince when Jim was in his company, and they 
were always in close company now. On top of 
the train, or lounging in the caboose, or jaunting 
along the track when the train would stand still 
for hours — Wilson said they never slept and 
were “too thick” to be company for him. But 
they did sleep, for one morning Wilson halloed 
from the roof of the caboose — “Say, Jim, rub 
your eyes and tumble up here ; here’s the lake ! 
We’ll soon be in Chicago ! ” 

Up the ladder in a trice came the boy with his 
dog under an arm, Jim wide enough awake and 
Prince looking brightly around, and dropping him 
on the roof, Jim steadied against the wind and 
gazed with eyes of wonder at the blue, mighty 
body of water. He scarcely spoke, but in an 
ecstasy beheld it until ahead appeared the great 
grain elevators, monster affairs, affecting him 
somewhat strangely by their uncanny size and 
situations. 


50 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


Then — Chicago; and unloading, and the jing- 
ling of the street-car bells, and the people, and 
bustle, and noisy commotion, till gaslights at last 
were shining everywhere, and they slept in a 
strange hotel. 

Wilson’s idea was to sell the sheep in north- 
ern Illinois and then proceed to find Blodgett. 
Accordingly from Chicago the flock was driven 
one hundred miles to Lane Station, or *^New 
Rochelle,” as it is now called. Near this place, 
at a farmer’s named Hawkins, a stand was made, 
and the '‘bulk” speedily disposed of. The rem- 
nant were of the weakest and thinnest, and these 
Wilson decided not to offer until they could 
“rest and pick up a little.” 

It would take only a week or ten days, and he 
would use the time hunting for Blodgett. Jim 
could stay at Hawkins’, and help in the haying 
for his board. 

“If I find him,” said Wilson, “we will finish up 
in a day when I come back, and be ready to start 
for home on the cars.” 

With a dread at the parting, mingling with the 
joy of his anticipations, the boy and his dog 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


I5I 

accompanied Wilson to the station, and came 
lonesomely back to the farm. 

* * ^ * * * 

Hawkins was a thriving farmer. He had a 
large crop of clover that year and was short of 
hands, so Jim, we may be sure, did not fail to 
earn his board. The boy was so willing and so 
efficient that he received much praise, and there 
were, moreover, certain expressions which after 
a few days fell from the farmer’s lips, to the 
effect that he would be allowed very much more 
than his board. As the settlement proved in the 
end, the worldly-wise farmer merely meant it as a 
stimulus to the spirited young hand, but Jim 
accepted it in good faith. He was naturally ener- 
getic, and just now more than ever desirous of 
speeding the slow days of waiting, and took part 
in the haying with vigor. He hoped to cancel 
Wilson’s bill entirely. 

It was late one afternoon about a week after 
Wilson’s departure. Jim was in the mow when a 
fresh load of hay pulled in on the barn floor 
below, in the place of one just unloaded, and as 
he appeared at the opening above, pitchfork in 


152 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


hand, ready as usual for the first forkfull, the old 
farmer seemed to hesitate as he wrapped the lines 
and took his fork. 

“Billy,” said he to his son, who had followed 
behind the wagon, “get up there, Jim’ll want to 
come down.” 

“I’ve got some news you won’t want to hear, 
Jim, an’ I’m sorry to have to tell it.” 

“What is it.J^” faltered the boy, already fright- 
ened by his manner; and “Wilson” and “Blod- 
gett ” were words fluttering in his throat. 

“Your dog’s killed.” 

Jim made no utterance, but stared breathless, 
holding against the beam above his head as Haw- 
kins continued. 

“He followed Sam’s wagon, thinkin’ you was 
on it, I reckon, an’ missed you when they got to 
the field and started back, runnin’ ahead o’ my 
horses. I came trottin’ pretty lively an’ I think 
he got struck — anyway, he went down under the 
horses, an’ the load went right on over him ’fore 
I could stop ’em. I called Billy, and Billy said his 
back was broke, so I didn’t know as I could do 
anything for him and came on.” Jim was 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


153 


descending, tremblingly, and pausing only long 
enough to ask Billy where he was, he ran crying 
up the hill and to the meadow. 

“ Oh, Prince ! ” 'when he came in sight of the 
crippled little form ; ‘‘my Prince ! my Prince ! ” at 
every panting breath, till he threw himself down 
beside him. The dog was expecting him, and 
beamed upon him with the same old eloquent 
eyes looks of affection and thankfulness, and as 
Jim lifted the little silken head, tremulously 
licked his fingers. He could not move, except his 
eyes. His head lay pillowed on the stricken 
boy’s arm, with tears falling fast upon it, and Jim 
pouring into his ears all the sorrow that was 
bursting his boy’s heart. ' 

Until nightfall, and long after nightfall, Jim 
never left him till the end ; nor left him then, but 
taking him up tenderly in his arms, carried the 
lifeless form behind a haystack, where they were 
safe from the officious and hateful meddlers from 
the house, and lying there, with his cheek in his 
hand, looking down upon Xhe dog, reviewed the 
past, their merry happy times together, grieving 
as only youth can grieve. At last, when the 


154 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


stars were trembling fast and bright, he covered 
him for the night, and came shivering to the 
house. He crept, supperless, to bed, and when 
sleep sealed his eyes, his pillow was wet with 
tears. 

jest never did see a boy grieve so,” articu- 
lated the old farmer in great seriousness to Wil- 
son when he came the next afternoon. “He’s 
out there, now, an’ has been there the whole o’ 
this day. Hasn’t eat enough to keep a cricket 
alive, since it happened. He don’t say much, but 
them big brown eyes jis look solemn, an’ talkin’ 
to him don’t do a mite o’ good. He buried him 
somewhere out there this mornin’, an’ I thought 
that ’ud end it. Billy went to help him, but Jim 
sent him back, ’lowen’ as he’d ruther be left 
alone, he said ; and when he didn’t come to dinner 
I walked out to see what on earth he could be 
doin’. 

“I didn’t see him, but j edgin’ he was in the 
shadder o’ the haystack, I jes’ crep’ roun’, an’ 
what do you think that boy was a-doin ’ } Jis a 
readin’ somethin’ as he’d been writin’ in a book, 
an’ cryin’ away like a baby.” 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


155 


** Where is he?” asked Wilson, shortly, jerking 
his hands in his pockets and waiting impatiently 
for the direction. 

‘‘Jis go through that red gate front o’ the barn, 
you know, an foller the tracks to the medder. 
He’s over the rise on the level, jes this side o’ the 
second gate. Ye’ll see the haystack an’ there’s 
where he’ll be. He was still writin’ an’ cryin’ at 
dinner time,” called the farmer as the drover 
strode away. 

Wilson’s thoughts were sad enough as he 
ascended the rise, and he drew a deep breath more 
than once. He had been shocked by the news 
of the accident, and as he rapidly walked along, 
could appreciate the feelings of the boy. He 
came upon Jim asleep in the shade, with the tear- 
marks on his sorrowful face and the old memoran- 
dum book lying with the pencil, beside his 
fingers. 

Stepping softly so as not to disturb him, Wil- 
son stood looking down upon him tenderly, until 
a fancy came over him to see what the boy had 
been writing. Stooping to obtain the book he 
found several pages of 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


156 

LINES ON THE DEATH OF MY SHEPHERD DOG 
PRINCE. 

Poor little Prince, thou art no more, 

Thy little faithful heart 
Has ceased its beating; though a dog, 

’Twas hard from thee to part ; 

Confiding, trusting, faithful, 

And tender as a dove. 

Thy many little winning ways 
Had drawn around thee love. 

Wilson read a little of it, touched more and 
more by the simplicity and sorrow, until, consider- 
ing that he was taking an unfair advantage, he 
closed the book, and laying it back, spoke to the 
boy and wakened him. 

Jim opened his eyes very soberly from the deep 
sleep of grief and exhaustion — then blinked them 
to assure himself that what he beheld was reality, 
when with a glad cry of recognition he sprang to 
greet Wilson, but broke into sobs with his 
sorrow. 

Wilson said nothing for a moment or two, and 
then, as the boy nestled to him, he put an arm 
around him tenderly and this is indeed what he 
said. 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


157 


«‘I don’t blame you, Jim. That dog was truer 
than any human friend you ever had. I wouldn’t 
give your two true hearts for all the friendship 
I’ve ever known. But grieving won’t bring him 
back. Maybe you’ll find that there’ll be more 
than just human beings hereafter. He did his 
duty, the best he could, and God knows it better 
than we do. But grievin’ won’t bring him back.” 

Jim quieted under these first words of sympa- 
thy, and presently, with his memorandum book 
and pencil stowed away in his pocket and his eyes 
brushed dry with his handkerchief, took Wilson to 
the spot where he had buried him. It was out 
upon the open prairie which bordered at the side 
of the meadow — a lovely spot — chosen because 
of its beauty, and which, by reason of its situa- 
tion, would probably long remain undisturbed. 

<‘I got Blodgett, all right,” Wilson said, at 
length, when they started to return to the house, 
‘‘and he knows a sight more than Judge Ratchi- 
son ever dreamed he did. And he’s anxious to 
do his duty. He has joined the church and this 
thing’s been troublin’ him, though I had a funny 
scare for fear he’d murder me, as I’ll tell you all 


158 


FINDING BLODCETT. 


about the first chance I have. He will come to 
the trial next month, and it’ll surprise me if 
old McClutcheiii escapes the penitentiary. You 
won’t have to drive sheep for me any more — I 
think that’s tolerably sure.” 

Jim wished that Prince had been spared to 
share the good fortune. *‘He shared all the hard 
times,” he involuntarily exclaimed, rather chok- 
ingly indeed, for Wilson said, softly — “Come 
now, be a man, Jim. Don’t cry any more. Think 
of your mamma and the children, and the future, 
and thank God for all your blessings.” 

“I do,” the boy answered; “and 1 mean to be 
a man — if I can.” 

Wilson said nothing more until they reached 
the house, but if his thoughts had been uttered 
they would have been like this. “You’ll make a 
man, no fear of that — a true-hearted, noble man. 
And you’ll get the education, and all your life 
will be a noble and useful life. You will be for 
the right, and a power against the wrong, and the 
helpless and the poor will have a strong champion, 
if you live ; for plucky and tender and true you 
have been, and this you will ever be.” 


FINDING BLODGETT. 


159 


“ Le’s hear that poetry ! Come, Jim, le’s hear 
that poetry!” said Mr. Hawkins, banteringly that 
evening, but Wilson checked the ill-timed pleas- 
antry and shielded Jim’s modest embarrassment. 

‘‘It is only a little writing for myself,” he told 
Wilson, gratefully, when they had gone to bed. 
“ I was so lonesome and wretched I just didn’t 
know what to do. I just wrote it because I 
couldn’t help it. Yes, sir. I’ll show it to you, 
sometime, when I’m a man.” And with this 
indefinite promise, Wilson was constrained to be 
content. 

Of the trip home, which began the next even- 
ing, for Wilson sold the remnant to Mr. Hawkins, 
and even of the trial and the victory, we may not 
particularly speak. 

The widow recovered her fortune. 

Wilson’s vision for the boy, every whit came 
true. He graduated with distinction, and in his 
chosen profession has attained both fame and 
honor. His hair is grizzled now ; the brown eyes 
have a steadier light, the boyish form has given 
place to a stalwart figure of strength. Yet he 
sometimes dreams, and Wilson and Prince are the 


l6o FINDING BLODGETT. 

companions of his dreams. And cherished in a 
drawer with other trinkets and souvenirs of that 
far-away time, is a faded old memorandum book, 
and occasionally at long intervals, in the infre- 
quent privacy and stillness of some night, he 
unlocks this drawer and beneath the soft light, 
looks at the little ring which Alice gave, and 
deciphers the tear-blurred, time-stained “poetry’* 
of the boy. • 


THE END. 



D. LOTHROP COMPANY’S 


BANVARD (Joseph, D. D.). 

LIFE AND CHARACTER OF DANIEL WEBSTER. 
i2mo, 1.25. ( 5 ) 

“ Daniel Webster is just beginning to be appreciated for what he really was — the 
greatest American statesman. His whole life was a battle for the Union. He did 
more than any other one man for its preservation, and his reward was insults and 
curves. But time rights all things and it will right this wrong.” 

This volume traces the statesman’s career through all its vicissitudes showing what 
relation each and every act bore to his symmetrical life as a whole. 


STORIES OF AMERICAN 

1. 00 each. ( 4 ) 

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THE Revolution. 

Southern Explorers and 
Colonists. 

First Explorers of 


HISTORY. Illustrated, 1 2mo, 

Pioneers of the New 
World. 

Plymouth and the Pil- 
grims. 

North America. 


BARRETT (Mary). 

WILLIAM THE SILENT, AND THE NETHERLAND 
WAR. With maps and engravings. i2mo, 1.25. ( 5 ) 

“ It describes in a clear and forcible excellent introduction to young and old 

style the record of events which preceded for the study of Motley’s great work.” — ■ 

in the Netherlands the birth and growth Cincinnati Courier. 
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BARROWS (Wm., D. D.). 


THE INDIAN’S SIDE OF 

i2mo, 1. 00. 

” Presents the Indian’s Side of the 
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and simplicity. The volume is interest- 
ing alike in its presentation of facts and 
its discussion of methods and is sugges- 
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Christians and philanthropists in view of 
the conditions of the Dawes severalty 


THE INDIAN QUESTION. 

law.” — Boston Journal. 

‘‘This is Indian History with a pur- 
pose. The book is a means of intelli- 
gence on a question, which within a year 
has taken on so new a phase that it needs 
to be studied anew, and this volume is 
the readiest means of information we 
know of. ” — American Magazine, N. Y 


BARTLETT (Geo. B.). 

CONCORD: Historic, Literary and Picturesque. i2mo, illus- 
trated, cloth, 1. 00; paper, .50. 


‘‘ ‘ Concord,’ which answers the thou 
sand and one questions strangers and 
visitors have to ask about the town, 
has been written by Mr. G. B. Bartlett, 
one of its citizens. The book is very 
tastefully designed and prettily illus- 
trated, and is both attractive and in- 
teresting, giving the reader a view of the 
town and of the localities w'hich have 
become famous through association, and 
reciting the particulars of w'hat may be 
called its literary history. The following 
IS an outline of the contents: A Glance 
at the History of the Town; The First 
Church and the Pastors ; The Old Grave- 
yard and its Curious Inscriptions; Sleepy 
Hollow; The Graves of Hawthorne, 
Thoreau and others ; The Battle-Ground, 
and Accounts of the Fight, by Rev. W. 


Emerson, Dr. Ripley and Lemuel Shat- 
tuck; Houses of Historical Interest 
which were Built before 1775; Houses 
of Literary Interest; The Library, The 
Monuments ; Various Organizations and 
their Founders; The Concord Grape; 
The Clubs; French’s Studio, and His 
Bust of Emerson ; Walden Pond ; The 
Museum of Antique Curiosities; The 
Rivers and their Surroundings; The 
School of Philosophy, etc., etc. The 
pictures include views of most of these 
scenes.” — Literary World, Boston. 

‘‘ One of the most valuable additions 
to the library, and greatest aid to the 
visitor who may turn his footsteps toward 
the most intellectual village in America.’’ 
— Rochester Herald, 


SELECT LIST OF BOOKS. 


BATES (Clara Doty). 

.ffiSOP’S FABLES (Versified). With 72 full-page illustrations 
by Garrett, Lungren, Sweeney, Barnes and Hassam. Quarto 
cloth, 1.50. (4:) 


“ Mrs. Bates has turned the wit and 
wisdom in a dozen ot ^Esop’s Fables 
into jolly rhythmical narratives, whose 
good humor will be appreciated by wide- 


awake young people.” — Boston Journal. 

“ The illustrations introduce all classes 
of subjects, and are original and superior 
work.” — Boston Globe. 


BLIND JAKEY. Illustrated, i6mo, .50. ( 5 ) 

HEART'S CONTENT. lamo, 1.25. 


See Child Lore (Clara Doty Bates, editor). 


BATES (Katherine Lee). 

SUNSHINE. Oblong 32010, illustrated by W. L. Taylor, .50. 

A little poem, in which the wild flowers and sunshine play their part in driving 
away the bad temper of a little lass who had hidden away in the grass in a fit of sulks. 

SANTA CLAUS RIDDLE. A Poem. Square i2mo, illus- 
trated in colors, paper, .35. 

See Wedding-Day Book (Katherine Lee Bates editor). 


BEDSIDE POETRY. 


Edited by Wendell P. Garrison, ibmo, plain cloth, .75; fancy 
cloth, 1. 00. 


This collection is for the home, and for a particular season. “ Few fathers and 
mothers,” says Mr. Garrison, “appreciate the peculiar value of the bedtime hour for 
confirming filial and parental affection, and for conveying reproof to ears never so 
attentive or resistlesss. Words said then sink deep, and the reading of poetry of a 
higli moral tone and, at the same time, of an attractive character, is apt to plant seed 
which will bear good fruit in the future.” 


“There is seldom a compilation of 
verse at once so wisely limited and so 
well extended, so choice in character and 
so fine in quality as Bedside Poetry, edi- 
ted by Wendell P. Garrison. He has 
chosen four-score pieces ‘ of a rather high 
order, the remembrance of which will be 
a joy forever and a potent factor in the 
formation not merely of character but of 
literary taste.’ Therefore he has given 


Emerson and Cowper, Wordsworth, 
Leigh Hunt, Shelley, Southey, Coler- 
idge, William Blake, Burns, Thackeray, 
Lowell, Tennyson, Shakespeare, Mrs. 
Hemans, Mrs. Kemble, Holmes, Whit- 
tier and Arthur Hugh Clough. We find 
cheer ar^ courage, truth and fortitude, 
purity and humor, and all the great posi- 
tive virtues, put convincingly in these 
selections.” — Spring^eld Republican. 


« "■ 

BELL (Mrs. Lucia Chase). 

TRUE BLUE. i2mo, 10 illustrations by Merrill, 1.25. ( 5 ) 

The scene is laid in the far West, and the incidents are such as could only occur in 
a newly developed country, where even children are taught to depend upon themselves. 

“ Doe, the warm-hearted, impulsive copying by those who read her adven- 
heroine of the story, is an original char- tures and experiences.” — Detroit Post. 
acter, and one whose ways are well worth 


D. LOTHROP COMPANY’S 


BAILY (Rev. Thomas L.). 

POSSIBILITIES. i2mo, 1.25. 

The author gives at the opening the picture of a country village school which, 
through lack of tact and knowledge on the part of teachers and of interest on the 
part of parents, had become almost worthless. A new teacher, with a mind and 
method of her own, is engaged for a term, and she sets at work with a determination 
to revolutionize the existing condition of things. It requires a good deal of tact and 
management to emist parents and pupils in her plans, but she does it by quiet persist- 
ence, and the end of the term sees not only a remarkable change in the school, but in 
the village itself. 

“Asa general rule novels with a pur- exceptions, how'ever, and one of these is 

pose are dry reading. There are brilliant * Possibilities.’ ” — Albany A rgns. 


ONLY ME. i2mo, 1.25. 

“ We are taken back to the days when 
the watchman n'ade his nightly rounds 
to call the hour and the state of the 
weather. On his return from one of 
these rounds on a snowy night, a good- 
hearted watchman finds a little fellow 
half starved and half frozen, crouched 
against the little sentiy-box in which he 
himself found shelter between his rounds. 


The boy is taken home by the watchman, 
and the story follows him through early 
ears and through his experience as bound 
oy on a farm, and his subsequent start- 
ing in life in a store in the city wlieie he 
rises to be confidential clerk and at last 
partner in the firm.” — Natiotial Ba^ 
list, Phila. 


BAKER (Ella M.). 


CLOVER LEAVES : A collection of Poems. Compiled and 
arranged by K. G. B. i2mo, cloth, i.oo; gilt edges, 1.25. 


A brief memoir tells the story of the short life of the young poet. 


“ The author of these poems was 
possessed of the rarest loveliness of per- 
son and character, and she has left behind 
her a memory fragrant with blessing. 
Her verse was the natural outcome of 
her beautiful soul ; its exceeding delicacy 
and sweetness are sufficient to charm all 
who have the answering sentiment to 


which it appeals.” — Springfield Repub- 
lican. 

“ One rises from the perusal of these 
poems with the feeling of having been 
brought very near to a Christian woman’s 
heart, and of having caught the utter- 
ances of a truly devout spirit.” — Morn- 
ing Star. 


SOLDIER AND SERVANT. i2mo. 1.21;. 


“ A pretty and helpful story of girl 
life. Six or seven girls band themselves 
together to cultivate their talents in the 
best possible manner, and to let their 
light shine whenever and wherever they 
can. The girls vary greatly, but each 
one is determined to do her best with the 
material that the Lord has given her. 


Their several successes and failures are 
told, and many lessons are drawn from 
their work.” — Golden Rule, Boston. 

“ The book is remarkably entertain- 
ing, sensible and spiritually stimulating. 
It is the best book of the kind that we 
have seen in many months.” — Congre- 
gationalist. 


SEVEN EASTER LILIES. i2mo, 1.25. 

A story for girls, pure, sweet, and full of encouragement, and calculated to exert a 
strong influence for good. The author feels that there is something peculiarly 
sacred and tender about Easter lilies, partly, perhaps, from their association w'ith the 
day and season whose name they bear. The story tells what became of seven lilies 
which were tended by as many different hands in different homes, and how they 
affected those homes by the silent lessons they taught. 

CHRISTMAS PiK STORIES. i2mo, illustrated, 1.25. 

Never was such a Christmas pie before, nor such plums! Not one, but seven Jack 
Horner pulled out of that pie, and every plum was a Christmas story told by each 
member of the family from grandma down. The wonderful pie lost nothing in being 
warmed over for Aunt Moneywort who was too ill to be at the feast. 


SELECT LIST OF BOOKS 


BALLADS OF ROMANCE AND HISTORY. 

By Susan Coolidge, Mrs. Whitney, Harriet P. Spofford and others. 
Illustrated by Garrett, Barnes, Sandham, Taylor and F. Childe 
Hassam. 4to, 2.50. 


“ A picturesque and interesting work. 
It might be said that unity is not possi- 
ble when many authors, instead of one, 
treat a subject, but in this volume the 
contributors are well-known authors, who 
enter into the spirit of the subject with 
remarkable unanimity, and artists of ac- 
knowledged merit. Different episodes 
in mediaeval and modern history are told 
in stirring verse. Bravery and chivalry 
are vividly illustrated in the artist’s 
spirited conceptions of the poet’s tales. 
The leading poem, ‘ Little Alix,’ a story 
of the children’s crusade, by Susan Cool- 
idge, is illustrated by Edmund H Gar- 
rett, who also furnishes the drawings 
of ‘The Story of the Chevalier,’ by Har- 
riet Prescott Spofford. Poems of New 
England history are contributed by Mrs. 


A. D. T. Whitney, Sarah Orne Jewett, 
Margaret Sidney and Lucy Larcom, and 
illustrated by W. L. Taylor, H. Sand- 
ham and George Foster Barnes. The bal- 
lads number twelve. ” — Boston yourn%l. 

“ It is a holiday book indeed, rich in 
beauty, sterling in merit.” — Book Rec- 
ord, N. Y. 

“It is a volume more than ordinarily 
attractive, for the ballads are such as will 
stir the best and noblest emotions in the 
young heart and stimulate its best facul- 
ties. They form a rarely exquisite col- 
lection. They are replete with beauty, 
grace and tenderness, both ballads and 
pictures^ and will arouse older readers to 
responsive interest and admiration by 
their touching force,” — Boston Times. 


BAMFORD (Mary E.). 

LOOK-ABOUT CLUB. 4to, cloth, illustrated, 1.50; boards, 
1.25. 

Recommended by the State Board of Minnesota and other States for their public 
school libraries. 

The Look-about Club is a party of children who know very little about natural 
history. 


“ The author is an enthusiastic stu- 
dent of natural history. The young peo- 
ple form a little natural history club with 
the aim of finding out new facts about 
animals, insects and other living creat- 
ures, and their father presides over their 
investigations, rendering occasional ad- 
vice and instruction. The book is very 
bright and readable and crammed with 
curious facts illustrative of the intelli- 
gence of the lower orders of animal life. 


For a book to both please and in.struct 
the young it is a decided success.” — 
Boston Times. 

“ So artfully blended with amusement 
and ‘ a lovely time ’ that the most per- 
verse of younglings could scarce detect 
or flout it.” — Providence Journal. 

“ It is pleasantly written, and is among 
the best of the books we have seen which 
are intended to interest small children in 
natural history.” — The Nation, N. Y. 


THE SECOND YEAR OF THE LOOK-ABOUT CLUB. 

4to, cloth, illustrated, 1.50. 

The Look-About Club, grown wiser and more observing by the first year’s experi- 
ence in the study of Natural History, take up the work of the second year with a zest 
that brings them a large measure of success. 


MY LAND AND WATER FRIENDS. 4to, boards, 1.25; 
cloth, 1.50. Nearly two hundred original drawings by L. J. Bridgman. 


Recommended by the State Board of Minnesota and other States for their public 


school libraries. 

An out-door book giving delicious little 
“ She has not only imparted a vast 
deal of intensely interesting information 
about the common insects and animals 
which we meet with every day, but by 
nuking them tell their own story she has 


accounts of strange and familiar creatures, 
invested them with a personality which 
will make children more humane in their 
treatment of them.” — Boston 
script. 


D. LOTHROP COMPANY’S 


ART OF LIVING (The). 

From the writings of Samuel Smiles, M. D. Selected by Carrie 
A. Cooke, with an Introduction by A. P. Peabody, D. D., LL. D. 


i2mo, i.oo. 

“ Smiles was a surgeon and a Scotch- 
man born at Haddington in i8i6. His 
writings are very shrewd and practical. 
Some one calls him ‘ the Benjamin 
Franklin of Fnglaud.’ Certainly his 
writings have a sort of axiomatic terse- 
ness that is suggestive of ‘ Poor Richard.’ 
But they have a far deeper spiritual sig- 
nificance than ever entered into the heart 
of that prince of materialistic philosoph- 
ers. h rankliu’s main thought was com- 
fort, health, wealth, respectability. 
Smiles goes more into the ‘inwardness’ 
of things, and into the secret of true hap- 
piness. He finds it in the performance 
of common duties, faithfully and honor- 
able fulfilled. Smiles’ writings are rather 
based upon the triumphs of morality than 


religion. He is a philosopher of the 
School of Epictetus. But he is a true 
philosopher.” — Presbyterian, Philadel- 
phia. 

‘‘The every-day virtues of industry, 
sobriety and cheerfulness are given their 
true value as determining forces of hap- 
piness and success in iife. The beauty 
of moral discipline, the necessity of self- 
control and self-help are reiterated in 
many trenchant thoughts, while the ex- 
amples of worthy heroes are held up in 
appropriite illustration. One of the 
characteristics of the work is the editor’s 
tact in choice of quotations, so that the 
short selections appear as the clean-cut 
thoughts of the author.” — Boston 
Journal. 


AT HOME AND ABROAD. From The Pansy. 

i2mo, I.oo. 

Short stories of life in this and other countries. Just the book for spare minutes 
when there is not time for a long story. The dainty cover, with its purple pansies and 
golden ferns is a delight in itself. 


ATKINSON (Mary E.). 

ARCHITECT OF COLOGNE, AND OTHER POEMS. 

i2mo, illustrated, i.oo. 

ROSE AND MILLIE. i2mo, illustrated, i oo. ( 4 ) 

A pretty picture of domestic life, the two heroines forming a contrast throughout 
which carries with it lessons in thoughtfulness, delicacy and consideration for others. 
Such books do much to disarm selfishness, and bring into every day use the sweetness 
and grace that are in every child’s nature. 


AURINGER (O. C.). 

SCYTHE AND SWORD. 

*‘ The Rev. O. C. Auringer has an ear- 
nest regard for nature as she appears to 
the wanderer in fields and woods; an 
unyielding faith in the divinity of song; 
a broad and liberal religious creed ; a 
noble ideal of the coming preacher; a fine 
understanding of certain great men of 
recent times, such as Emerson, Gordon, 
Darwin and Carlyle. On all these themes 
he discourses in excellent verse, showing 
a manly sympathy, a scholarly apprecia- 
tion of the uses and powers of language, 
and a determination to say what he has 
to sav without any sort of affectation.” — 
Literary IVorld, Boston. 

‘‘Scythe and Sword is ‘replenished,’ 
as Shelley says, ‘ with sweet fancies and 
coy delights.’ There is a distinct pic- 


i6mo, .75. 

torial touch in nearly all of Mr. Aurin- 
ger’s poems. The Orchard is a charming 
picture ; and so is Glen Lake at Twi- 
light ; while The Robe Weavers is a rare 
bit of the ‘ betwixt and betw'een ’ that 
lies East of imagination and West of 
fancy without being absolutely either. 
Many of these poems he over against the 
mind’s eye after you have read them, as 
a star sometimes leaves a trail on the air 
after it has vanished ” — New York 
Critic. 

“ This slender and unpretentious little 
volume reveals an unsuspected poetic 
treasure. Open where we may at ran- 
dom we find something worthy to be read 
and remember.” — Boston Pilot. 


SELECT LIST OF BOOKS. 


BABYLAND. 

BOUND VOLUMES. Edited by Charles Stuart Pratt and 
Ella Farman Pratt. Square 8vo, boards, each .75; cloth, i.oo. 

This is the one magazine in the world that combines the best amusement for babies 
and the best help for mothers. Dainty stories, tender poems, gay jingles, pictures 
beautiful ; pictures funny. Large type, heavy paper, pretty cover. i;o cents a year. 


publishers, from long experi- 
ence, have come to understand pretty 
accurately what the babies like to look 
at in the way of pictures, and what they 
like to have read to them in the way of 
stories. And that is why Babyland is 
what it is, and why it appeals so strongly 
to little eyes and little ears.” — Boston 
Transcript. 

” A handsome illustrated book. The 
illustrations are as artistic as if made for 
older and more critical readers. We have 


BAINBRIDGE (Lucy 
ROUND THE WORLD 
I-50- 

“ Mrs. Bainbridge’s work is a book 
for all classes of readers, young or old, 
serious or gay. The reader will never 
forget that his cicerone “ round the 
world” is a Christian woman, while 
such is the charm of her style every 
reader is fascinated. The book is a bril- 
liant photograph of the experiences and 
observations of an intelligent woman in 
such a variety of scenes as such a tour as 


got away from the old idea that anvthing 
is good enough for children and now 
demand for them the best in art and 
literature. That is the best way to edu- 
cate them into the best.” — Chicago 
Inter-Ocean. 

“ It is filled with good things that w'ill 
make the children merrier and happier.” 
— Philadelphia Star. 

“ What a help and blessing for the 
tired mother.” — Farntf Field and Stoch- 
man, Chicago. 

S.). 

LETTERS. i2mo, illustrated, 

she made implies. The writer is a keen 
observer, and has had exceptional facili- 
ties for intelligent observation. The 
reader will feel that he has gained a won- 
derfully clear notion of the whole living 
and breathing world, while yet he has 
been fascinated and entertained as few 
romances could do it.” — TJu Watch- 
man. 


BAINBRIDGE (W. F.).\ 


AROUND THE WORLD TOUR OF CHRISTIAN 
MISSIONS. 8vo, illustrated with maps, 2.00. 


“ A universal survey of home and 
foreign evangelization, compiled from 
personal study upon the field of many 
lands and from conference with over a 
thousand missionaries. Several maps 
locate all leading mission stations of all 


denominations of all Protestant lands. 
. . . No work in this line, so com- 

plete and so reliable has ever been pub- 
lished in America, England or Europe.” 
— Golden Rule, Boston. 


SELF-GIVING. i2mo, illustrated, 1.50. 


A story of Christian missions. 

“The growth of missionary spirit, the 
strength of character by overcoming diffi- 
culties, the glory of consecration, the 
beauty of sacrifice, the blessed results of 
intelligent work, run through the fiction 
like bright streams through flowery mead- 
ows, and like reptiles among flowers, we 


see in midst of sacnfices the repulsive 
spirit of the world and selfishness among 
missionaries, in self-seeking secretaries, 
in adventurers under cloak of missionary 
zeal, in the meanness of gifts and inap- 
preciation of the work.” — Our Church- 
man at Work, Brooklyn. 


D. LOTHROP COMPANY’S 


BROOKS (Elbridge S.), continued. 

THE STORY OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN.* 8vo, 

illustrated, cloth, 2.50. In neat library binding at same price. 


A list of the best hundred books on the American Indian is included in the work. 


“ The volume does not belong to the 
'amiliar type of boys’ books of adventure 
cmong the redskins, but is a thorough 
compendium of archseology, history, pres- 
ent standing and outlook of our nation’s 
wards. It is clearly and concisely writ- 
ten and*tmbodies a vast deal of pertinent 
information.” — Literary World, Bos- 
ton. 


“No better story of the race that has 
played a not important part in the drama 
of human progress has been given. The 
author has certain definite moral convic- 
tions on the subject that he expresses 
ably and fearlessly.” — The Traveller, 
Boston. 


THE STORY OF THE AMERICAN SAILOR.* Uni- 
form with the “Story of the American Indian.” Illustrations by 
Bridgman. 8vo, 2.50. In neat library edition at same price. 

A list of the best hundred books on the American Sailor is included in the work. 

_ The complete story of Jack’s daring endeavor and achievement from prehistoric 
times to the days of the “ Brave Old Salt ” and the yacht Volunteer. The result of 
much study and careful research, U is nevertheless as dashing, as brilliant, as pictur- 
esque as Jack himself, when Jack is at his best. As the first consecutive account ever 
attempted, it will appeal to all lovers of blue water and to all admirers of the exploits 
of American seamen. 


“ It is the fact that his fresh, sealike, 
lusty narrative tells us of the American 
sailor in all his phases that gives Mr. 
Brooks’ book not only its great immedi- 
ate charm ,,but its permanent usefulness as 
a study and history.” — Brooklyn Times. 

“ An exhilarating, picturesque and en- 
tertaining story and yet one that is prac- 
tical, convincing and satisfying.” — New 
Haven Register. 


“ One of the best boys’ books of the 
season. ” — Chicago Dial. 

“ Mr. Brooks can load his sentences 
with statements of fact and there is noth- 
ing of real consequence omitted from his 
brief and well-written story.” — Boston 
Herald. 

“ Not only beautiful, but instructive 
and excitingly entertaining.” — Chicago 
Inter-Ocean. 


THE STORY OF NEW YORK.* 8va illustrated, 1.50. 


(VoL. I. of “The Story of the States ” Series.) 


“ Mr. Brooks has acquired a most envi- 
able reputation as a historic writer, in his 
‘ Historic Boys,’ ‘ Histone Girls’ and in 
his brilliant ‘ Story of the American In- 
dian,’ and his present volume will cer- 
tainly add to this reputation. It is what 
it purports to be, a story of the begin- 
nings and of the marvelous development 
of what has come to be the Empire State 
of America — and he has made it a most 
interesting one. There are dull matters 
for the average reader in the slow growth 
of A.nerican institutions. These Mr. 
Brooks leaves for the antiquarian to dwell 
upon in detail, while he devotes more at- 


tention to the romantic, the heroic with 
which the history of every State in the 
American Union abounds.” — 
Traveller. 

“ The narrative is more like a charming 
fireside legend told by a grandfather to 
eager children, than the dry and pompous 
chronicles commonly labelled ‘ history. ’ 
Having already digested the writings of 
the experts — historians, novelists and 
philosophers — who have studied and 
written upon New Netherlands and Col- 
onial, Revolutionary and modern New 
York, Mr. Brooks proceeds to tell a good 
story.” — N. Y. Critic. 


* Recommended by the State Boards of Wisconsin and other States for their publi-^ 
school libraries. 


SELECT LIST OF BOOKS 


ARNOLD (Edwin). 

Oliver Wendell Holmes says of his poetry : “ It is full of variety, now picturesque, 
now pathetic, now rising imo ihe noblest realms of thought and aspiration ; it finds 
language penetrating, fluent, elevated, impassioned, musical, always to clothe its 
varied thoughts and sentiments.” 

EDWIN ARNOLD BIRTHDAY BOOK. Edited by the 
Poet’s daughters. 241110, gilt edges, 1.25; morocco, 2.50; seal, 2.50. 

It contains an autograph introductory poem by Edwin Arnold, and choice quota- 
tions from his poems for every day. The many admirers of the ” Light of Asia” 
will gladly welcome this graceful souvenir of the author, which is handsomely illus- 
trated and daintily finished. Mr. Arnold contributes an original Poem for each month. 

ART FOR YOUNG FOLKS. 

Square 8vo, illustrated, tinted edges, boards, 1.50; cloth, gilt 
edges, 2.25. 

Familiar instructions for young artists, how to get materials, etc., and the story of 
the visit of two New York boys to the water-color exhibition, by Lizzie W. Champney. 
Also the biographies of twenty-four American artists, by S. G. W. Benjamin. All 
very fully and finely illustrated. An art education in itself. 


ARTHUR (Clara M.). 

CHERRY-BLOOMS OF YEDDO. Illustrated, i2mo, i. 00; 


full gilt, 1.25. 

“ The Cherry- Blooms of Yeddo fall 
upon us in the form of a snow-shower of 
flowers and petals of genuine poetry. A 
half dozen of the thirty or more poems cast 
a mystic glow upon native and missionary 
life in Japan. ‘The Baptism’ and 
‘ Easter ’ are exquisitely touching, and 
illustrative of Christ’s conquest over the 
pagan heart, and of the sad but silver- 
edged experience of the missionary who 
comes back to home-land bereft, but not 


with Naomi’s hopeless and rebellious 
grief.” — Christiafi Intelligencer, New 
York. 

“ There is about them all a simplicity 
and naturalness, the fragrance of fern 
and flower, of meadow and woodland, 
combined with a delicate finish in rliyme 
and measure, which evinces the touch of 
the true interpreter of the hidden mys- 
teries in art and nature.” — Watchman, 
Boston. 


ETCHINGS FROM TWO LANDS. i2mo, 1.00. 


“ The two lands are America and 
Japan, much the larger part of the vol- 
ume being given to Japan.. The sketches 
are descriptive and narrative, giving 
graphic views of Japan and the Japanese, 


with notices of missionary work, such as 
read by the friends of missions, will feed 
the interest already felt in them.” — 
Watchman, Boston. 


ARTIST GALLERY SERIES. 

i8mo, parchment paper, each i.oo. ( 3 ) 

Seven little books not necessarily connected ; made to be looked at rather than read. 
Each book devoted to an artist ; with the briefest possible sketch of his life ; with 
portrait and several examples of their most famous and representative paintings, all in 
photogravure. 

Millias. ' Alma-Tadema. 

Rosa Bonheur. Bouguereau. 

Landseee. Millet. 

Sir Frederick Leighton. 


D. LOTHROP COMPANY’S 


BOYD (Pliny Steele). 

UP AND DOWN THE MERRIMAC. Illustrated, i2mo, 
i.oo. 

A vacation trip upon one of the most charming rivers in the world, made in a dory 
by the author and his two sons for the purpose of hunting, fishing and a good time 
generally. 

“ The author is a shrewd thinker; his run through its pages render it peculiarly 
reflections upon men and things which attractive.^’ — PhiladelJ/hia Item. 


BOYDEN (Anna L.). 

ECHOES FROM HOSPITAL AND WHITE HOUSE. 

i2mo, I.oo. ( 4 ) 


“ Anna L. Boyden has undertaken to 
commemorate the services of Mrs. Re- 
becca R Pomroy in the hospitals of the 
airny and in the family of President 
Lincoln during the Rebellion. The book 


is a well-written, earnest account of Mrs. 
Pomroy’s valuable work as a nurse, and, 
as such, an addition which all will be 

{ jlad to have to the bibliography of the 
ate War .” — Chicago TrUjutte. 


BOYESEN (Hjalmar Hjorth). 

VAGABOND TALES. Square i2mo, 1.25. 

A collection of characteristic novellettes by one of the most entertaining and most 
popular of modern story-tellers. No writer living — scarcely excepting even the great 
Bjornstein — so thoroughly understands the Norse character and when into this is in- 
fused the American element, the succes of Prof. Boyesen’s tales is easily understood. 
There is a breeziness, a vigor and a manliness about his characters that captivate the 
reader at once and combine dramatic force with literary skill. The stories included in 
this volume are; Crooked John; A Child of the Age; Monk Tellenbach’s Exile; 
A Disastrous Partnership; Liberty’s Victim; A Perilous Incognito; Charity. 


BOY’S WORKSHOP (A). 


By a Boy and his Friends. With an introduction by Henry Ran^ 
dall Waite. Illustrated, i2mo, i.oo. 


Written by ‘ a boy and his friends,’ and 
takes you right into A Boy's IVorkshofi ; 
tells you how to make and to use a saw- 
horse and a work-bench ; how to use 
tools and to care for them ; lets you into 
the secret of book-rests, foot-rests, tables, 
cabinets, catch-alls, etc. ; shows you how 
to build wooden tents, make a fernery, 
construct a railway and train, bind mag- 
azines, take photographs, tie knots, and 


do a great many other things. Tt is a 
book that every boy would like to have, 
and that he ought to have.” — Advance. 
Chicago. 

“Next to actual service with an intel- 
ligent carpenter or cabinet-maker this 
book is to be valued for its instruction in 
the art and mystery of tools.” — Chris- 
tian Advocate, New York. 


BRAVE GIRLS. 

i2mo, illustrated, 1.50. 

When young people see the name of Nora Perry, Mary Hartwell Catherwood or 
Frank H. Converse appended to a story, they prick up their ears at once, for they 
have learned to expect something of unusual interest. They will not be disappointed 
when they open this book and read about Glen Hastings, Kate Oxford, Sharly Ray- 
mond and Bessy May — brave girls every one, but in divers ways. Other writers 
almost as well known as these favorites have helped in no slight degree to swell thll 
tribute to the girls. 


SELECT LIST OF BOOKS. 


ADAMS (Sarah B.). 

AMY AND MARION’S VOYAGE AROUND THE 
WORLD. i2mo, illustrations from original photographs, 1.25. 
Sketches from a journal kept by two sisters. 

ADAMS (Rev. Wm. H.). 

THE SEVEN WORDS FROM THE CROSS. i2mo, 
1. 00 

Meditations on the last sayings of Christ. 

AFRICAN ADVENTURE AND ADVENT- 
URERS. 

Edited by Rev. G. T. Day. i2mo, illustrated, i.oo. ( 3 ) 

An epitome of the elaborate works of Bruce, Speke, Grant, Baker and Livingstone. 


ALDEN (Mrs. G. R.). (See Pansy). 

ALDEN (Raymond M.). 

A WORLD OF LITTLE^PEOPLE.* Illustrated, i2mo,. 60. 

In this little volume the author gives an exhaustive description of ant-life, making 
the ants themselves the characters of the story, and the ant-hills of the various tribes 
the scenes of the incidents described. Incidentally there is a good deal of interesting 
information given about other insects and their carious habits. 


ALLEN (Grant). 

COMMON SENSE SCIENCE. i2mo, 1.25. (6) 


“ The brilliant novelist and essayist. 
Grant Allen, has grouped a series of 
twenty-eight essays — or chapters — on 
as many different subjects, treated in just 
the way to make them suggestive, and to 
awaken interest in further investigation. 
Mr. Allen is especially interesting in the 
treatment of natural history topics, also 
those relating to what may be termed 
everyday science. The object of the 
author in these little essays was to place 
before the American readers some of the 
latest results of modern science, in sim- 
ple, clear and intelligible language. Mr. 
Allen, by a series of illustrative facts, 
shows how curiously all things are inter- 
laced in this world, one thing so dovetail- 
ing into the next that it is impossible to 
alter one of the pieces in the least degree 
without upsetting the harmony of the 
whole. From one essay to another the 
reader is constantly coming upon curious 


facts and strongly stated deductions, that 
keep up a continual lively interest 
throughout the whole.” — Boston Home 
Journal. 

“ It will do equally for the professional 
naturalist, the reader who seeks a pleas- 
ant entertainment, and the happy young 
men and women who want an introduc- 
tion to the study of nature. Mr. Allen 
is fully abreast of natural history — not a 
slight achievement — and he is one of 
the most delightful essayists of our time, 
combining German scholarship with 
British sense and French grace.” — 
Boston Beacon. 

“ Grant Allen has the merit of writing 
seriously in the most sprightly and inter- 
esting manner.” — Independent., N. Y. 

“No more thought-compelling book 
can be placed in the hands of an intelli- 
gent, ambitious young man or w«man 
than this.” — Chicago Tribune. 


ALLEN (Mary E.). (See Safford, Mary J.). 

* Recommended by the State Boards of Wisconsin and other States for their public 
schocl libraries. 





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